INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Another successful Chris Griffis Memorial Mazda Road to Indy Open Test saw the final checkered flag last Thursday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Belardi Auto Racing has come away very happy with the progress they made over the week.
 
Fielding four USF2000 cars and one Firestone Indy Lights car over the two-day test on the old Formula 1 road course on the hallowed grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Belardi Auto Racing saw six up-and-coming drivers strut their stuff in what some call an "audition" for the upcoming season.  

Karting superstar Nick Neri joined the team in the No. 4 USF2000 car only on Wednesday. The 15-year-old from Palmetto, FL was shown in the top 10 both test sessions with an eighth and 10th-fastest time.

 

Joining the team for both days of testing were Skip Barber Winter Series Champion Jake Eidson in the No. 11 car and Skip Barber standout Adrian Starrantino in the No. 9.  Eidson, a 17-year-old from Littleton, CO, shone brightly posting fast enough times for second and third out of over 20 contenders.  Starrantino, the 18-year-old from California, also impressed with times showing him in the top 10 for three sessions, as well as a top five.

 
Closing out the two-day test with the Brownsburg, IN team were Brazilians Danilo Estrela and Yukio Duzanowski who both drove the red Belardi cars only on Thursday.  MAZDASPEED

Motorsports Development driver Estrela had times fast enough for first at a few points during both sessions and was never seen out of the top four.  Meanwhile, Skip Barber newcomer Duzanowski was taking his time learning the different car and getting the most out of his practice; he was shown as high as 14th during his time with B.A.R.

 

Not only did these young open-wheel rising stars get the opportunity to drive around the 2.514-mile road course on the historic track, they had the opportunity to speak with graduates and veterans of the Mazda Road to Indy who provided plenty of words of wisdom.  IZOD IndyCar Series driver and 2011 Firestone Indy Lights Champion Josef Newgarden stopped by the Belardi Auto Racing garages and chatted with the young Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Presented by Mazda hopefuls.  

 
Star Mazda graduate and just-announced 2013 Belardi Auto Racing Firestone Indy Lights driver Peter Dempsey was also on-hand to assist the drivers who may become a part of the B.A.R. program.  The Irishman was also in town to participate in the midweek open test and came away with fastest times in both morning sessions.   
 
About Belardi Auto Racing
Belardi Auto Racing is a Cooper Tires USF2000 Powered by Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights team based in Brownsburg, Indiana. The 2011 season saw two race wins, 10 podiums, 17 top-five finishes and 36 top-tens.  Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook or their official website,
www.BelardiAutoRacing.com.