Dean-Ruff Racing and the FRL

 The idea of auto racing being a team effort has been around for quite some time now. As the machines used in such endeavors have become increasingly complex, not to mention expensive, the need for a supporting cast to help a driver to ascend to the top of the order is just as vital as the abilities of the driver himself.

 Today, names like Penske, Chip Ganassi, Joest, Hendrick, and Red Bull are all synonymous with winning, not necessarily due to a single driver’s effort, but because of the time and ethic of the team itself and the results that effort gets.

 This idea of making FRL driving a team effort was brought to the series in its infancy by the combined garage of brothers Ethan and Paul Maestri when they formed MBR four years ago. Their combined efforts to not just paint their cars to give them a team identity, but to develop their cars performance together, has led to both drivers being at the top of the order at nearly every race they have entered.

DNR’s #81 and #199 Aston Martin DBR9’s driven by Bryan Dean and Allen Ruff

 However, thanks to increased interest in the FRL, new drivers have joined the ranks, and MBR’s allied-driver dominance in FRL racing is now being challenged. Longtime friends Bryan Dean and Allen Ruff have joined forces to create their own race team: Dean-Ruff Racing (DNR). We took a moment to speak with Bryan about the creation of the team and what they hope to bring to the FRL.

You both have come into the FRL fairly recently, what moved you to team up?

 “Allen and I have been lifelong friends. We’ve been in each other's weddings. Our families go way back and we got to know each other as teenagers. My most memorable moment with Allen was when I had a Seadoo pulling Allen on an inflatable inner tube. I proceeded to throw him off the tube causing him to cartwheel across the water giving him major whip lash, but man it was funny! So, based upon our personal relationship as being best friends for years it just made sense to team up.”

What is the philosophy of DNR?

 “We are working to develop our cars together per track. Our philosophy is simple I plan on clearing the way by not using my brakes and he's working on not running out of fuel...I kid I kid. We really are taking this serious but we are feeling our way through this series. Being that we are rookies, we know there's a lot to learn and look forward to seeing how well and far we can go in this series.”

What is the goal of DNR in the FEC and further in the FRL?

“Our goals are to get both Allen and I into top 3 positions for pole and a podium finish each race. We know the competition is tough but we think we have the recipe for success. Looking forward into FRL, we plan on buying a new race team this summer but that is still in the works as we look for sponsors.”

 We look forward to watching DNR as they develop their team through this inaugural FEC season and further into the FRL’s future series.