Flatrock Motorclub have just announced that it will partner with American INDY NXT by Firestone racing talent Michael d’Orlando at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix this weekend as part of the premium motorsport destination’s commitment to supporting the next generation of home-grown racers.
As part of the agreement, d’Orlando’s #3 car will also feature a special one-off Flatrock livery across the race weekend. Flatrock Motorclub and d'Orlando will also partner with one of Flatrock Motorclub’s founding members, Cauley Ferrari of Detroit as part of the weekend’s sponsorship festivities.
Jeff & Joe Cauley, Owner of Cauley Ferrari of Detroit, will host a private invitation-only event at their prestigious facility for current clients and partners. Their extensive line up of Ferrari's will be showcased in this glamorous setting.
d’Orlando (pic), who will be racing in Detroit for Andretti Cape INDY NXT – a team formed especially for the 2024 season via a technical partnership between the multi-time INDY NXT by Firestone championship team Andretti Global and Cape Motorsports - is currently the only driver on the entire 22-car grid of the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone series that is not committed for a full season. The young New Yorker presently sits sixth in the veteran laden INDY NXT by Firestone drivers’ championship, one point from being the highest scoring series rookie in 2024.
He began his racing career in karting at age six, winning multiple regional, national, and international championship titles, culminating at the European world championship level as a factory team driver for the world- renowned Birel ART Racing Team based in Italy. After moving to cars with Cape Motorsports, Michael earned the 2021 Cooper Tires USF2000 vice-championship in 2021 and the championship in 2022.
Flatrock is set to become America’s newest premium racing facility, showcasing a 3.50-mile Tilke designed “Club’ circuit for members. Construction on the facility has been ongoing since last year and set to open to members later this summer.
Rusty Bittle, Founding Partner at Flatrock Motorsports Park commented on the announcement: “Everyone at Flatrock is excited by the opportunity to sponsor American racing talent, Michael d’Orlando, for the INDY NXT Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.
“We are particularly thrilled to unveil the special Flatrock Motorclub livery in partnership with the Andretti Cape Indy NXT team that Michael will race in this weekend. The decision to partner up with a young and promising racing talent such as Michael underlies the commitment that Flatrock has towards supporting the next generation of home-grown, world-class racers.
“Moreover, it is testament to our strong relationship with the vastly experienced Andretti Cape Indy NXT team, one we hope to continue to grow long into the future.” Michael d’Orlando also spoke of his excitement at the new partnership: “I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to represent Flatrock Motorclub, and its world class facility located in Tennessee.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Flatrock Motorsclub for providing me with the opportunity to race the No. 3 INDY NXT machine this weekend in Detroit. I have been competing on a race-by-race basis this whole season so far, and this partnership, just ahead of their grand opening, couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I am very confident that the Andretti Cape INDY NXT crew and I will have the car to perform up front again. We’ve had great results at the past few races and ran up front in St Pete so let’s see if we can build upon this momentum.
“I’m super excited for another opportunity in the Indy NXT by Firestone series especially at a track that is new to me. It’ll be a lot of fun but still a lot to learn.
“Let’s continue pushing and see what we can do.”
