MDL Racing owner/driver ready to build on strong 2012 campaign and off-season speed in season-opening Florida tripleheader
INNISFIL, ONT. – Matthew Di Leo and the MDL Racing squad commence their quest for USF2000 Championship supremacy this week (February 5-6), when the 2013 racing action gets underway at Sebring International Raceway. After an impressive run in last year's title fight, and topping the charts in year-end testing, the goal for Di Leo now is to stand on the top step of the podium during the opening tripleheader of the 'off-season' Winterfest series.
With Di Leo behind the wheel, MDL Racing was one of the standouts squads in the 2012 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda title chase. Ultimately ending the year fourth in the points fight, the Canadian showcased the speed, racecraft, and natural talent that has made him a rising talent in the Mazda Road to Indy program. The 17 year-old further solidified his position as a driver worth watching, when he edged a mix of highly regarded rookies and skilled veterans during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Mazda Road to Indy test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road courses, ending the year-end two-day event P1. Given the owner/driver now has a full-season data and communication with his skilled crew to further draw upon, the stage is set for Di Leo to better his output of four podium finishes last season, beginning with a charge for top honors at Sebring in races one, two, and three of the six-race Winterfest championship.
"I can't wait to get on-track at Sebring," stated Di Leo, who is backed by RES Precast Inc. "After a strong run last year and the quick time at the Mazda Road to Indy test, I feel both myself and the team are ready to take the next step, and start winning races. Hopefully we start things off in perfect fashion in the Winterfest and go from there. I'm really excited about the 2013 season."
While Di Leo wants to stand on the top step of the podium at Sebring during the Winterfest opener, he is aware that the tripleheader presents an ideal venue to further develop his driving skills, his Mazda-powered Van Diemen, and the overall performance of the MDL Racing squad. The Florida races will additionally provide great insight on what to expect from his 2013 competitors.
The chase for USF2000 Cooper Tires Winterfest honors officially gets underway on Tuesday (February 5), when practice, qualifying, and race one of the series takes place at Sebring International Raceway. The tripleheader concludes one day later (February 6), with races two and three.
Those interested in supporting this up-and-coming Canadian driver are encouraged to contact Matthew Di Leo directly @ MatthewDiLeo.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Learn more about Matthew Di Leo and MDL Racing at MatthewDiLeo.com and keep up to date via Twitter @ MatthewDiLeo and Facebook @ Matthew-Di-Leo Videos also available on YouTube @ MatthewDiLeo56
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About Matthew Di Leo:
A native of Innisfil, Ont., Di Leo began his journey towards a career in motorsports at the age of nine, first getting behind the wheel of a kart. Showing natural talent right from the get go, Di Leo steadily worked his way up the ranks, continually developing his skills. In 2011, the Canadian made his car racing debut. Racing in the Ontario Formula Ford Championship, he won once and stood on the podium in both races he contested. Piloting an F2000 entry as well, Di Leo finished third the USF2000 Winterfest series with two podiums, and was fifth in the USF2000 Championship with one trip to the post-race podium. Last year, Di Leo again got in the cockpit of F1600 and F2000 cars. He scored one win, added another podium finish, and captured two pole positions in the Quebec-based Formula Tour 1600. Racing as an owner/driver under the MDL Racing banner, Di Leo finished fourth in the USF2000 Championship, capturing four podium finishes.