The Pre - Race Run Down

Sunday night will mark the start of the FRL's 8th season, with drivers taking to the beautifully lit track of Yas Marina Circuit located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The paddocks have been a buzz or rather a roar of engines as drivers and teams ready their cars for the season opener, here's what we know so far...

Bryan Dean was the first to make his car choice known, going with the Viper GTS. Then came the announcement from the Maestri brothers with their choice of the Mercedes AMG GTR. Chris Rader then followed up with his teaming with McLaren. Tony Tyree was next to make his selection, choosing the Corvette Z06 as his ride for the season, he would also latter on reveal the signing on of Brandon Atkins to the newly re branded team of 4of7 Racing. Matt Smith would choose the Noble for his entry. Dead Peddle Racing fronted by Travis Billingsley brings on Nick Hargrove as team mate, driving the Noble and Corvette Z06 respectively. So that brings us to Andrew Steppat of Steppat Racing, after keeping a low profile for the majority of the preseason he has finally reveled that he will be driving the Viper GTS and forming a partnership D&S Performance with Bryan Dean of Boostdog Designs.  When asked for a comment on the new partnership Bryan had this to say..."I look forward to this coming season. Emerging from several failed attempts to podium the past years has left me eager to prove my abilities to run in the top 3. I've made a concerted effort in my choice of vehicle and feel that the viper is the best choice for my driving style. I was approached by steppat racing on a partnership and we will be collaborating on some ideas for the viper and a program with Mopar. It'll be fun working with a highly skilled FRL veteran and hope to learn a lot from Andrew. I feel like we have already positioned ourselves for success but I know the competition is going to be fierce."




Mr. Steppat has once again set the pace on the leaderboard with a blistering time of 2:10.969 followed by Travis with a 2:13.737 and Bryan posting a dirty time of 2:12.871 Could the dirty time just be a cloak to hide his real time who's to say? But what is clear, when it comes down to go time, a time like that is bound to land him a spot on the podium. The rest of the field come in a couple of seconds behind Travis, with Ethan being the closest with a 2:15.916.




The night will start with lobby invites going out at 8:30p.m. CT and qualifications starting at 8:45p.m. CT and the race starting at 9:00p.m.CT

We look forward to seeing all drivers on the track.