Steppat Runs Away And Hides In DBtN Grand Prix

 The FRL visits the Indianapolis Grand Prix circuit for the first time with an Indy car event, the Drive Back the Night Grand Prix. Preparations for the week demonstrated that Steppat Racing was at the top of its game once more with blistering lap times fully a second faster than the nearest competition. Expectations were high that the #001 would dominate the event.

The grid of six heads the wrong way around the Indy GP circuit

 Coming into this race, the #18 DPR driven by Travis Billingsley had suffered a lack-luster finish at Homestead and was looking to capitalize on their road course advantage over the remainder of the field. As qualifying unfolded, the #001 did not disappoint, posting an untouchable 1:08 lap time that could not be challenged, Andrew Steppat claimed the pole position. Travis in the #18 did well with a second place start for the race. Paul Maestri continued his impressive qualifying effort, posting the third fastest time in a car tuned by his brother Ethan, who qualified next to him in fourth.

 With the grid of six set and a formation lap made, the Green flag flew over the race and pandemonium set in. The first row didn't get to speed as quickly as the second row, allowing Ethan and Paul Maestri to overtake Travis Billingsley. On the back foot, Travis slid a bit into Turn 6, getting into the gearbox of Paul slightly and shunted him into the grass. Paul recovered quickly and raced on with no damage. Travis dropped behind Ghabe Stouffer, into P5. Thus the stage was set for the #18 to make a long slog back toward the top of the order.

 Mikey Collins started in P6, and would end the race in the same position. However, he ran a good race early, catching and pacing Ghabe Stouffer, but several off's would claim his chance at challenging Ghabe's position.

Cars at speed at the FRL's DBtN Grand Prix

 After pit stops cycled around laps 15-17, Ethan and Travis found themselves in close proximity. Travis settled in to hunt down the #3 Honda over the next 9 laps. Drawing to within a half second on several occasions. However, in the end Ethan was able to hold onto the second position at the checkered flag.

 Andrew Steppat claims his second straight Indy win in two weeks with a dominating performance at the Indy GP track. The FRL Indy series will stay in the Indianapolis infield while the track crews ready the facility for the 5th annual FRL Indy 200 on May 17th!

Andrew Steppat wins the DBtN Grand Prix

Indy Championship Points

Andrew Steppat  - 101

Ethan Maestri      - 80

Paul Maestri         - 68

Travis Billingsley - 59

Mikey Collins      - 58

Ghabe Stouffer     - 52

Tony Tyree           - 32

Gabe Fast             - 28

Drew Dilbeck       - 26