Archives for Belardi PR

Aaron Telitz Back With Belardi Auto Racing For Road America

Aaron Telitz will once again be in a Belardi Auto Racing Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires machine in 2019, this time competing at Road America on June 21st through June 23rd.

Road America is always a special track for both Belardi Auto Racing and Aaron Telitz as it’s right in their backyards in Wisconsin. The track has also been very good to both. Aaron Telitz turned his Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires championship around in 2016 by winning both races on his way to becoming the series champion.

The track has also been kind to Belardi Auto Racing, seeing the team score three podiums (2016, 17, and 18) and a win in 2016 with Zach Veach driving the No. 5 machine.

Wisconsin native Telitz will be piloting the No. 4 Endodontic Specialists of Wisconsin Dallara IL- 15 during the race weekend at Road America.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get a chance to drive in my home race with Belardi Auto Racing! Ilove Road America, all my friends, family, and fans that come out will have a car to cheer for.I’m looking forward to a fun weekend and putting my No. 4 root canal Belardi Auto Racing caron the top step of the podium,” said Aaron Telitz

Rounds eight and nine of the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship kicks off on June 21st at 10:05 am with practice and is followed by qualifying for race 1 at 2:15pm. June 22ndhas qualifying beginning at 10:15am followed by race 1 at 1:50pm. Race 2 goes green at 8:50am on June 23rd. Keep up with all the action by following @belardiracing on social media!

Chris Windom Joins Belardi Auto Racing In Partnership with Jonathan Byrd’s Racing For the Freedom 100

A few notes from TSO Ladder

  • With this announcement and the announcment of Jarett Andretti this past weekend, the Freedom 100 should see a minimum of 11 cars.
  • Windom is currently fourth in the USAC Midget standing and sixth in the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Standings with a win in the season opener.
  • This is the second straight year that Jonathan Byrd’s Racing and Belardi Auto Racing will partner to field a car for Windom, the 2017 USAC National Sprint Car Champion.

Press Release:

Brownsburg, Ind. (April 16, 2019) – Chris Windom returns to Belardi Auto Racing partnered with Jonathan Byrd’s Racing to run in the 17th annual Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24. Windom will be piloting the No. 17 Belardi Auto Racing/ Byrd Racing, NOS Energy Drink sponsored Dallara in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires series.

Windom is making his second trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, after joining in a test day at the Speedway ahead of the Freedom 100 in 2018. Unfortunately due to damage, Windom was unable to compete in the event. Flash forward to 2019 and Windom is going into the event with the knowledge of what the IL-15 will do and more of an understanding of Indy Lights racing and is looking to show what he can do on the big stage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“After a disappointing ending to last year’s run for the Freedom 100, I’m very thankful to begiven another opportunity to go back to Indy with the Belardi/Byrd team. I really enjoy workingwith everyone on the team and I feel like we can be strong contenders for this year’s race. The Freedom 100 is obviously Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires’ most prestigious race and something that will be special to be a part of. I have to thank Belardi Auto Racing and JonathanByrd’s Racing along with NOS Energy Drink for giving me the opportunity, and I hope that I cangive them a great showing on one of the biggest stages in racing.” -Chris Windom

Belardi Auto Racing and team owner Brian Belardi is excited to have another standout driver added to their Indy Lights lineup, and partnering up with a team rich in history as JonathanByrd’s Racing and a great sponsor in NOS Energy Drink.

“We are happy to welcome back Chris Windom and Jonathan Byrd’s racing, a partnership wesee being very successful. Chris has proven himself time and time again in dirt cars, and I am positive he will be able to do it in an Indy Lights car. All I am thinking about now, is May and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” – Brian Belardi

Once again joining forces for Indianapolis and the Freedom 100 with Belardi Auto Racing, isJonathan Byrd’s Racing. Jonathan Byrd’s Racing is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Indianapolis 500, but this will be their first time participating in the Freedom 100.

“Things did not go as we had planned last May, but Chris was quick out of the box and learned alot about what to do and what not to do at the Speedway. I’m grateful to be able to work with

Brian and the Belardi Auto Racing team again to give Chris another much deserved shot at the Freedom 100, as we work to keep a multi-time USAC national series champion on the Road To Indy. In addition, we’re excited to have the support of NOS Energy Drink in this endeavor, as they have quickly become a massive supporter of Chris and of short track racing.” – David Byrd

Belardi Auto Racing and Chris Windom will be heading to the Kentucky Speedway for a refresher oval test, and to get Windom comfortable once again in the high speed Indy Lights machine. Practice for the 17th running of the Freedom 100 begins on May 20th. Follow the action all month long by following @belardiracing on social media.

ZACHARY CLAMAN JOINS BELARDI AUTO RACING FOR 2019

Brownsburg, Ind. – Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires veteran Zachary Claman has signed with Belardi Auto Racing to contest the 2019 Indy Lights season.

After spending the past year racing in the IndyCar series for Dale Coyne Racing, 20-year-old Claman returns to the Indy Lights category hungry to win.

“I am very excited to be joining Belardi Auto Racing for the upcoming season.  The team has a great track record for being very competitive and for getting drivers to IndyCar and keeping them there.  Being back in Indy Lights will be good for my development as a driver and as a competitor, but my only goal going into this season is to win the championship.” – Zachary Claman

The Montreal native has had an impressive career in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires category, recording 10 top five finishes, along with a win at Road America in 2017.  Amassing a total of 34 total starts in Indy Lights, Claman will go into the 2019 season having experience and an eagerness to get back on the top step of the podium.

Belardi Auto Racing team owner Brian Belardi is excited to have a driver with the experience of Zachary Claman not only in Indy Lights but in the premier open-wheel category, IndyCar.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Zachary’s caliber of talent join our lineup at Belardi Auto Racing for the 2019 Indy Lights season. The experience he brings from not only the IndyCar series, but as a race winning driver in the Indy Lights category will really pay off, and I personally am excited to see where the team goes this year.” – Brian Belardi

Belardi Auto Racing and Zachary Claman officially kick off the 2019 season on the Streets of St. Petersburg Florida with practice beginning on March8, 2019.

Belardi Auto Racing Adds Chris Windom To Line-Up For Freedom 100

Brownsburg, IN – Belardi Auto Racing, in partnership with long-time Indy 500 entrant Jonathan Byrd’s Racing and sprint car mainstays Baldwin Brothers Racing, is excited to announce that 2017 USAC National Sprint Car Champion and 2016 USAC Silver Crown Champion, Chris Windom, will be participating in the 2018 Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Windom will be making his first Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires start, piloting the #33 Belardi Auto Racing with Byrd & Baldwin Dallara IL-15 at the famed oval.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Windom said “I’m really excited for the opportunity to race for Belardi Auto Racing with Byrd & Baldwin. The Belardi team has had a ton of success on the Road to Indy, so I know I’ll be in good hands, with great teammates, as I deal with a fairly steep learning curve. Though I’ve run big, high-speed tracks in Silver Crown, ARCA, and NASCAR, this will be my first rear-engine experience, so it’s obviously an entirely different style of racing than anything I’ve ever done, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to taking what I hope are solid steps to my goal of racing in the Indy 500.”

Chris Windom, the reigning USAC Sprint Car champion, will make his Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires debut with Belardi Auto Racing / Jonathan Byrd’s Racing / Baldwin Brothers Racing at the 2018 Freedom 100.

While the Jonathan Byrd’s team is no stranger to Indianapolis, with 2018 marking the 33rd anniversary of its first Indianapolis 500 entry, this represents their first foray into Indy Lights. The Baldwin Brothers team, after many years of sprint car racing and the collection of its first USAC championship in 2017 with Windom behind the wheel of their familiar #5 sprint car, will be making its first venture to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Speaking to that, Windom added “I’m very thankful for the opportunity that has been presented to me by the Byrd family, and couldn’t be happier about Kenny Baldwin extending his support to be a part of this new journey. I’m excited to represent Jonathan Byrd’s Racing at Indy and thrilled to bring my relationship with Kenny to this level.”

“We’re quite pleased to have Chris join our team,” offered Brian Belardi, Team Principal for the 2014 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires champions and the 2017 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires team champions. “He’s obviously an extremely talented racer with a championship pedigree that has achieved success across multiple grassroots racing disciplines. I know that we are bringing a seasoned racer to our organization and that we will give him the tools that he needs to succeed.”

David Byrd added: “With two USAC championships under his belt and a bright future ahead of him, Chris has certainly earned himself an opportunity at Indy. His abilities are obvious, but naturally, given his background, he needs the chance to gain experience, and when it comes to driver development, there’s no better team on the Road to Indy than Belardi Auto Racing. Speaking on behalf of my family and for Kenny Baldwin, who has been such a big part of Chris’ career over the last few years, we are tremendously appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Brian Belardi and the fantastic professionals on his team, and can’t wait to see Chris behind the wheel of the Belardi Auto Racing with Byrd & Baldwin machine.”

While running a full racing schedule of nearly 100 races this year in Silver Crown, Sprint Cars, and Midgets, Windom will get his first opportunity behind the wheel of his Indy Lights machine in late April, when he takes to the track to earn his oval license at a location still to be determined. He’ll record his first laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Indy Lights open test on May 21st.

Belardi Auto Racing is an organization comprised of experienced individuals in the racing industry with an aggressive growth strategy and a strong commitment to finishing up front. No stranger to winning, team members have been achieving success in both the amateur and pro ranks for over a decade, winning numerous junior formula car races and championships. Based in Brownsburg, IN, Belardi Auto Racing won the 2014 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship and has scored multiple races wins in both Indy Lights and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered By Mazda, including the Freedom 100 at Indianapolis and prestigious races like the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Toronto Indy and events at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile, Pocono, Road America, Watkins Glen and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Source: Team PR

TELITZ RETURNS TO BELARDI AUTO RACING FOR 2018 INDY LIGHTS CAMPAIGN

 American driver confirmed although additional marketing partnerships still needed

BROWNSBURG, IN (December 28, 2017) – Belardi Auto Racing is pleased to confirm its first driver for the 2018 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. The reigning Indy Lights Team Champions will welcome back American star Aaron Telitz for the coming season, with full intent on running the entire 10-weekend schedule. Telitz currently has a partial budget for the season, and he and his management team continue talks with prospective marketing partners. The 26-year-old is confirmed to start the season, and will once again be paired with Belardi’s staff of experienced race engineers to pick up where they left off last year, having dominated the wet weather action in the season finale at Watkins Glen.

“I’m incredibly excited about how our team is developing for 2018, and being able to run Aaron again next year is such a huge positive for our organization,” offered team owner Brian Belardi. “As a rookie last year, he showed us his talents immediately, winning the opener at St. Petersburg. As he continued to develop in the car, he became even more impressive. I believe that his performance in the rain at Watkins Glen is a real indication of just how good Aaron is and how good he could become. We’re thrilled to have him back.”

The Minneapolis, MN resident scored a pair of wins during his freshman Indy Lights campaign in 2017, bookending the year with wins in the opening round in St. Petersburg and the wet finale at Watkins Glen. Telitz drove the Soul Red Mazda Scholarship car in his rookie season, having won the title in the 2016 Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires.  The two Indy Lights victories from this past year push his Mazda Road to Indy total to 10 wins, adding to a pair in USF2000 and six in Pro Mazda during his 2016 championship season.

“It’s a great feeling to be coming back with Belardi Auto Racing to have another go at the Indy Lights Championship,” Telitz enthused. “This will be the first time in my career that I get to drive for the same team in back-to-back years. The continuity is already there and we will be a force from the drop of the green flag at St. Pete.”

“As always, funding could be a limiting factor for me this season as I will be working to finish out my budget throughout the season,” Aaron continued. “Brian has been gracious enough to work with me and figure out how we can make it work this year. I want to offer a massive thanks to my long-time partner Rice Lake Weighing Systems, who have been with me since Formula Fords and continue to ensure my racing career is able to flourish. Also thanks to Morrie’s Auto Group, PPG, Assured Automotive, Styled Aesthetic, Liberty Engineering, and Bell Helmets, who are all on-board to assist in my run at the championship in 2018. I know that we will have our work cut out for us, but I’m confident that we can get the job done and bring the Driver Championship back to Belardi in 2018!”

Telitz will be back in the car in late January, once the testing blackout has ended.  The season will kick-off in less than three months with the opening doubleheader at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the March 11-13 weekend. Belardi Auto Racing intends to run at least three cars this season, with the potential for a fourth seat for the right driver.

BELARDI AUTO RACING ARMED WITH FOUR INDY LIGHTS PILOTS FOR GATEWAY

USAC star Chad Boat expands driver trio to quartet for high-speed oval contest

 BROWNSBURG, IN (August 23, 2017) – As announced earlier this season, the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires driver line-up at Belardi Auto Racing will expand to four for this weekend’s 75-lap race at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, IL.  The team’s season-long trio of Aaron Telitz, Shelby Blackstock and Santi Urrutia will be joined by full-time USAC Midget driver Chad Boat for the FridaySaturday show, which will feature with the Indy Lights Mazda St. Louis Oval Challenge Presented by Cooper Tires on Saturday at 6:00 pm Central.

“We’re excited Chad will finally be able to join our stout stable of drivers,” offered Brian Belardi, Team Owner. “As you know, he was unable to race in Iowa due to medical reasons, so to have four cars up and running is a great sight.  We tested here a couple weeks ago and everyone was fast and comfortable.  Look for us on top of the scoring pylon this weekend.”

Gateway Motorsports Park is a unique track for the Indy Lights series, as it was added to this year’s schedule of races as the third oval event for the drivers at the top rung of the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires.  The track measures out at 1.25 miles and the turns are banked between 9º-10º. The front and back stretches flatten out to the small banking between the turns at just 3º, which will present a significant challenge for the drivers. The Mazda-powered Dallara IL-15s in the Indy Lights series are expected to reach top speeds of over 165 mph during qualifying.

The team tested on the challenging and physically demanding oval two weeks ago, hitting the track on Thursday, August 10.  The team’s progress during the test was extremely positive and the drivers are primed and ready to battle for the win in the 15thevent of the 16-race schedule.

Miguelete, Uruguay’s Santiago Urrutia is coming off strong weekend at the Mid-Ohio doubleheader in late July. The Uruguayan was able to win the Saturday opener, his first of the year, and came home with a strong second in the longer Sunday race.  This was huge for Santi’s momentum and confidence, as it advanced him in the championship point battle, as he now sits tied for second overall.  The 20-year-old has showed speed on the ovals this year, finishing fifth in the Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis 500 before advancing to an impressive second at Iowa in Indy Lights race in July. Urrutia has momentum going into this race and is poised to gain much needed points in his effort to win the 2017 championship.

Minneapolis, MN’s Aaron Telitz has had an up-and-down year, however in Mid-Ohio, he was able to make big gains duringSunday’s race, and in May fought for the lead in the Freedom 100.  These successes bode well for Aaron this weekend. As the 2016 Pro Mazda Champion who competes in Indy Lights with the Mazda scholarship, Aaron sports the prestigious Soul Red Mazda colors on his Dallara IL-15 and with two ovals under his belt this season, he’s ready for some high-speed wheel-to-wheel action. The 25-year-old was very pleased with the results of the test and he is focused on continuing the pace that he displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Charlotte, NC’s Shelby Blackstock currently sits ninth in the championship standings and is coming off an extremely strong outing at Mid-Ohio.  Shelby raced hard and was rewarded with a pair of top-four finishes, highlighted by a third in Race #2 that came after some thrilling wheel-to-wheel action. Blackstock has enjoyed a consistent year with nine top-10 finishes in the 14 races, and with a top career Indy Lights oval result of fourth in the 2016 Freedom 100, he’ll be aiming for the podium this weekend.

Belardi Auto Racing welcomes Cornelius, NC’s Chad Boat to the team for the Gateway event.  The 25-year-old is a full-time USAC Midget driver, and will be adding one Indy Lights race to his already-stacked 31-race schedule. He currently sits seventh on the National Midget Series standings. Boat competed in a total of 14 events on the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series as well, finished 22nd at Iowa Speedway that year. Boat’s performance at last week’s test was impressive, and he is excited about this new opportunity.

The weekend schedule for this year’s Indy Lights Mazda St. Louis Oval Challenge Presented by Cooper Tire at Gateway Motorsports Park will begin with a 45-minute practice session on Friday, August 25 at 7:45 pm CT.  Saturday will consist of a single-car, two-lap qualifying session at 1:45 pm CT and the race will be run at 6:00 pm CT ahead of the Verizon IndyCar Series Bommarito Automotive Group 500. The race will be broadcast live on the Road to Indy TV app, IndyLights.com and theIndyCar.com Race Control page with audio provided by IndyCar Radio.  It also airs on NBCSN on August 28, 12:00 pm ET.

BELARDI AUTO RACING – DRIVER INFORMATION

SANTIAGO URRUITA – #5

Age: 20

Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay

Residence: Miguelete, Uruguay

Sponsors: ARROW Electronics, BSE, ANCAP, Antel, Ministerio de Turismo, AgroLavalle, SuperMatch, Fadisol, SINTEPLAS, Secretaría Nacional de Deporte, BMW MotorHaus

Social Media:

Website: www.santiurrutia.com.uy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Santiago-Urrutia-Oficial

Twitter: @Santi_Urrutia

Driver Input: “I feel the test went very well at Gateway, I drove it to the edge to get everything out of my car.  I’m going into the race with confidence, ready to win, and then head to Watkins Glen winning there too, to win the Championship.”

AARON TELITZ – #9

Age: 25

Hometown: Birchwood, WI

Residence: Minneapolis, MN

Sponsors: Mazda, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Rising Star Racing, Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda, Fred Thomas Resort, Cooper Tires, Bell Helmets, Sparco, Team USA Scholarship

Social Media:

Website: www.aarontelitz.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.telitz

Twitter: @aarontelitz

Instagram: @aarontelitz

Driver Input: “We had a great team test here at Gateway last week. The cars are working really well in race trim. We’ll use practice to dial in qualifying setup and then go for pole!”

SHELBY BLACKSTOCK – #51

Age: 27

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Residence: Charlotte, NC

Sponsors: Starstruck, Sparco, AMPED Apparel/Optics, Arai Helmets

Social Media:

Website: www.shelbyblackstock.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelbyBlackstock

Twitter: @shelbilly

Instagram: @shelbyblackstock

Driver Input: “The recent test at Gateway Motorsports Park went great for the Belardi Auto Racing team!  The car was very quick over the run and good in traffic! I’m really looking forward to getting back there on the 25th.”

CHAD BOAT – #84

Age: 25

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Residence: Cornelius, NC

Sponsors: Pristine Auction, K&C Drywall

Social Media:

Website: www.chadboat.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChadBoat84

Twitter: @ChadBoat

Instagram: @ChadBoat

Driver Input: “I am looking forward to my first Indy Lights race and using what I learned at the test to have the best possible race weekend. The repave at Gateway has made the track very smooth, so it should make for some great racing. I know the Belardi Auto Racing team will have a great car prepared for the event. None of this would be possible without Pristine Auction and all of our sponsors.”

BELARDI AUTO RACING VICTORIOUS IN INDY LIGHTS AT MID-OHIO

Team scores three podium finishes highlighted by Urrutia win and Blackstock’s third

MANSFIELD, OHIO (July 30, 2017) – Belardi Auto Racing enjoyed a tremendously successful weekend in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires events held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, winning the opening race of the doubleheader with Santiago Urrutia. The team stepped it up again for Race 2 on Sunday, occupying two of the three podium steps as Shelby Blackstock finished third right behind his Uruguayan teammate. Urrutia was dominant for the opening race of the weekend on the challenging 2.258-mile, 13-turn natural terrain road course, qualifying on pole and then outrunning Colton Herta for the win; his first of the year and the team’s second. Urrutia was again quick on Sunday, taking second, while Blackstock delivered his best performance of the 2017 season to finish third.  Aaron Telitz added to the success on Sunday, finishing fifth.

“Coming off a tough weekend in Toronto where we didn’t think we were able to achieve the results we deserved, the team’s performance at Mid-Ohio was exactly what we needed,” team owner Brian Belardi admitted. “We knew that Santi was eventually going to grab his first win of the year and he’s just very good at Mid-Ohio, and we’re all happy that he could get it done on Race 1.  Sunday’s race was a success for us as well, even though we just missed out on another win. Shelby’s drive was his best of the year and Santi was smart not to throw away a second-place finish trying to overdrive to get past Nico (Jamin). He’s still in the championship fight now, although it’s going to take a couple of wins at Gateway and Watkins Glen.”

Urrutia made his statement immediately, topping the Friday morning practice session before qualifying on the pole for Race 1 with a time of 1:11.945, which was a half-second quicker than Jamin. Blackstock and Telitz were not on that pace from the start of the weekend, timing in ninth and tenth, but improvement would come. In Race 1 qualifying, Urrutia maintained his pace with a 1:11.369, dealing with the continually changing track conditions.  Blackstock advanced up the order, benefitting from the team debrief after practice to qualify fourth, earning a spot on the outside of the second row for the 30-lap event. Telitz battled engine issues during practice and qualifying, so his seventh in the first qualifying session of the weekend was surprisingly decent.

Qualifying for the second race of the doubleheader took place on Saturday morning. Herta stepped up his game and nipped Santi for the pole by just over a tenth. Blackstock remained in the top-five, recording the fifth quickest lap, while Telitz fell to 11th, still struggling with motor problems.

Santi took the lead on the start of Race 1 on Saturday afternoon and was quickly embroiled in a hard-fought battle for the position with Herta, who was fully leveraging his stock of push-to-pass activations in an attempt to get by Urrutia.  Santi held off the early challenges and also fended off a late-race charge to score his first win of the year. Blackstock fought all race long with Jamin and Zachary Claman Demelo, and after making a bid for third, settled into fourth through to the checkered flag. It was his best finish of the year, turning the fast lap of the race in the process, but he was set to go for more on Sunday. Telitz pressed as hard as he could, fought valiantly throughout the race and was rewarded with an eighth-place finish. Like Blackstock, he was set up for an improvement in Race 2.

The start of Race 2 was chaotic, as Herta found his way to the lead early as Urrutia settled into third behind Jamin.  After Herta spun by himself cresting Turn 9 heading into Thunder Valley, Urrutia advanced to second to begin the chase.  Santi closed on Jamin in the late going, activating his push-to-pass once he cut the gap to less than the necessary 1.5 seconds.  He threw down everything he had to take the lead, but just couldn’t quite make the pass stick.  Santi’s second place finish has put him into a tie for second in the championship standings, 42 points behind Kyle Kaiser with just two races remaining.

Blackstock completed a stellar weekend at Mid-Ohio, which was the site of his first Indy Lights podium in 2015.  Shelby was chased by Claman Demelo all race long, but never flinched, finishing third to put two Belardi Auto Racing on the podium.  Telitz also scored his best result of the weekend, turning in a heroic effort to finish fifth after tweaking his back midway through the race. Driving through immense shooting pain, he somehow maintained his razor-focus to make it to the checkered flag.

The Belardi Auto Racing team will now head back to the shop to get their Dallara IL-15s prepped for the final oval race of the season, which will be the series debut at Gateway Motorsports Park on August 25-26.

All the on-track action from Gateway will be streamed live on the Mazda Road to Indy app or through the MRTI.TV website (www.roadtoindy.tv), as will the entire Indy Lights season. You can also follow along on www.indylights.com andwww.indycar.com.  Be sure to follow Belardi Auto Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay updated on all the action.

 

BELARDI AUTO RACING – DRIVER RESULTS AND QUOTES

INDY LIGHTS – ROUNDS 13/14 – JULY 28-30, 2017

MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE – MANSFIELD, OHIO

 

SANTIAGO URRUTIA – #5

Qualifying 1: 1:11.369

Qualifying 2: 1:11.226

Race 1: Start – 1st / Finish – 1st

Race 2: Start – 2nd / Finish – 2nd

Driver Quote: ““This weekend was good, getting the win in Race 1 and then fighting from the outside of row one in Race 2 and coming home in the second position.  It was a good weekend for sure, and knowing the points leader didn’t finish well means we must win to gain spots in the championship. Over the next three races, we need to win and wait for the results. The team did a great job, the Belardi guys have been working so hard, and I’m so happy. Thank you to them and all my sponsors.”

 

AARON TELITZ – #9

Qualifying 1: 1:12.479

Qualifying 2: 1:12.571

Race 1: Start – 7th / Finish – 8th

Race 2: Start – 11th / Finish – 5th

Driver Quote: “I am really pleased with our teamwork this weekend. The Belardi Auto Racing guys gave all of us awesome cars every session. Unfortunately, we battled engine problems in qualifying, which left us starting down the order for both races. I was in full attack mode for race two and drove up to fifth to end the weekend on a high note!”

 

SHELBY BLACKSTOCK – #51

Qualifying 1: 1:12.198

Qualifying 2: 1:11.764

Race 1: Start – 4th/ Finish – 4th

Race 2: Start – 5th / Finish – 3rd

Driver Quote: ““I like Mid-Ohio a lot, it’s a driver’s track, very technical and very fast.  I’ve always done well here because this track just suits me. We came out of the gate fast, plus I know the tricks and trades to it. It’s physical, but it was great getting P4 in Race 1 and a podium in Race 2.  This is the first weekend that things went smoothly and the team worked hard as a group. Thank you to all Belardi Auto Racing and all my sponsors.”

BELARDI AUTO RACING ARMED WITH FOUR INDY LIGHTS BULLETS FOR IOWA

BELARDI AUTO RACING ARMED WITH FOUR INDY LIGHTS BULLETS FOR IOWA USAC star Chad Boat expands driver trio to quartet for high-speed oval contest  BROWNSBURG, IN (July 6, 2017) – As announced last week, the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires driver line-up at Belardi Auto Racing will expand to four for this weekend’s 100-lap…

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BELARDI AUTO RACING SIGNS SECOND GENERATION OPEN-WHEEL DRIVER CHAD BOAT

BELARDI AUTO RACING SIGNS SECOND GENERATION OPEN-WHEEL DRIVER CHAD BOAT

 USAC standout to make Indy Lights debut at Iowa Speedway

BROWNSBURG, IN (June 27, 2017) – Belardi Auto Racing announced today that second generation open-wheel driver Chad Boat will make his Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires debut at Iowa Speedway on Sunday, July 9.  Additionally, Boat will compete in the No. 84 Dallara IL-15 at Gateway Motorsports Park on Saturday, August 26 with the team.  Pristine Auction, the premier autographed sports memorabilia auction house in the US, will serve as the primary sponsor for both events.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce the addition of Chad Boat to our stable of drivers for the Iowa and Gateway Indy Lights oval races this summer,” offered Belardi Auto Racing owner Brian Belardi. “It’s exciting to have a second-generation driver running with us, and we’re certainly looking forward to getting Chad on track in Iowa.”

The 25-year-old Boat, who earned the Rookie of the Year title in both the USAC National Midget and Sprint car divisions, will add the two Indy Lights events to his full-time 2017 USAC National Midget schedule.  Boat, who has previously competed at Iowa Speedway in the stock car ranks, is also scheduled to participate in a team test at the 0.894-mile Newton, IA oval which was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 28 but will instead be run this evening to avoid inclement weather that is expected to arrive tomorrow.

“I grew up watching my dad race Indy cars, so having the opportunity to run Indy Lights this year is absolutely surreal,” said Boat. “I have to thank Belardi Auto Racing for giving me a shot behind the wheel of the No. 84 Dallara, as well as Pristine Auction for their continued support in my racing career. I can’t wait to get to Iowa Speedway.”

The Phoenix, AZ native is following in the footsteps of his father and former winning Indy car driver, Billy Boat. Follow @ChadBoat on Twitter and Instagram for updates as he makes his first-career start in Indy Lights competition this season.

Source: Belardi Auto Racing PR

BELARDI AUTO RACING READY TO RUN FOR ANOTHER FREEDOM 100 WIN

Official test day provides positive momentum for prestigious event

BROWNSBURG, IN (May 24, 2017) – The Freedom 100 is the single most prestigious event on the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires calendar, positioned as part of the famed ‘Carb Day’ at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Indianapolis 500 weekend. Belardi Auto Racing has visited victory lane at IMS on two occasions, with Peter Dempsey in 2013 and Gabby Chaves in 2014, and the team is dedicated to scoring their third victory this coming Friday. Aaron Telitz, Shelby Blackstock and Santi Urrutia tested on the 2.5-mile oval on Monday (May 26), with Telitz finishing up second on the overall time chart. The outing was deemed a success, one that will provide the drivers with a positive baseline that they’ll use when hit the track again on Thursday (May 25) for two practice sessions and single-car qualifying.

“There is just something about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Freedom 100,” offered Belardi Auto Racing owner Brian Belardi. “The track is special and the event is always thrilling. We’ve won it twice, and our crew and our drivers all want to give Belardi Auto Racing its third victory at the Speedway. We tested well and we’re all dedicated to performing to our maximum this week.”

Birchwood, WI’s Telitz finished the Monday test day in second overall, showing the impressive pace that the team enjoyed when they unloaded, which is a positive sign for Thursday and Friday.  Blackstock and Urrutia were both in the top-10 as well, but the outright success from a test day such as the outing leading up to the Freedom 100 is more about getting comfortable with the car set-up, the draft and two-wide or three-wide racing. The feedback from all three drivers was extremely encouraging.

Telitz, the reigning Pro Mazda champion, will make his IMS oval debut sporting Mazda’s ‘Soul Red’ livery, although he has had success in oval competition on the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires.  Aaron won the ‘Night Before The 500’ event at Lucas Oil Raceway in USF2000 in 2014.

Blackstock has driven on an oval in all three of the MRTI series, finishing third at Lucas Oil Raceway in 2013 and third on the Milwaukee Mile in 2014, both in the Pro Mazda Championship. Shelby finished eighth in his Freedom 100 debut in 2015 and posted an impressive fourth place run last year.

Urrutia’s has three oval starts in MRTI competition, with a fifth in Pro Mazda at Iowa in 2015 standing as his best result.  The other two races were DNF’s, including last year’s mechanical failure in his Freedom 100 debut.

Practice and qualifying for this year’s Freedom 100 take place on Thursday, May 25 on the 2.5-mile oval.  The drivers will take to the track with two 30-minute sessions at 9:00 am EDT and 11:00 an EDT ahead of single car qualifying at 1:30 pm EST. The race will take place on Friday, May 26 at 12:30 pm EST.  The race will be aired live on NBCSN and will be broadcast on IndyCarRadio. The race will be streamed online on the Mazda Road to Indy app on a delay until after the event.

 

 

BELARDI AUTO RACING – DRIVER INFORMATION

 

SANTIAGO URRUITA – #5

Age: 20

Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay

Residence: Miguelete, Uruguay

Sponsors: ARROW Electronics, BSE, ANCAP, Antel, Ministerio de Turismo, AgroLavalle, SuperMatch, Fadisol, SINTEPLAS, Secretaría Nacional de Deporte, BMW MotorHaus

 

Social Media:

Website: www.santiurrutia.com.uy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Santiago-Urrutia-Oficial

Twitter: @Santi_Urrutia

 

Driver Input: “I am very much ready for the Freedom 100, it is the biggest race of the year. I believe that it will be important for us to unload a good car from the hauler on Thursday, so that we can work on it and improve on it. We need a really good car so that I can be right at the top to get the crucial points we need for the championship.”

 

 

AARON TELITZ – #9

Age: 25

Hometown: Birchwood, WI

Residence: Minneapolis, MN

Sponsors: Mazda, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Rising Star Racing, Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda, Fred Thomas Resort, Cooper Tires, Bell Helmets, Sparco, Team USA Scholarship

 

Social Media:

Website: www.aarontelitz.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.telitz

Twitter: @aarontelitz

Instagram: @aarontelitz

 

Driver Input: “I won my first MRTI race on an oval in Indy, so I can’t wait for my first Indy Lights race on an oval. And not just any oval, but IMS! The Belardi guys have had lots of success here in the past so we have a lot to live up to this week. But I know that we are going to be fast and can hopefully be the first team to bring the Soul Red Mazda to victory lane in the Freedom 100.”

 

 

SHELBY BLACKSTOCK – #51

Age: 27

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Residence: Charlotte, NC

Sponsors: Starstruck, Sparco, AMPED Apparel/Optics, Arai Helmets

 

Social Media:

Website: www.shelbyblackstock.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelbyBlackstock

Twitter: @shelbilly

Instagram: @shelbyblackstock

 

Driver Input: “I’m really looking forward to our biggest race of the year, the Freedom 100!  It’s by far the best race and the one I look forward to the most. Testing has been going good so far, so I’m excited to get back out there and trim more. I want to thank the entire Belardi Auto Racing team for giving us a great starting car.”

 

 

EVENT INFORMATION:

Series: Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires

Event: Round #7 – Freedom 100

Date: May 25-26, 2017

Website: www.indylights.com

 

WEEKEND SCHEDULE (all times Eastern Time Zone):

Thursday, May 25

  • Practice 1: 9:00 am – 9:30 am
  • Practice 2: 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Qualifying: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Friday, May 25

  • Race 2: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
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