Change of fortune for Peter Dempsey

Following the news that Belardi Auto Racing would not yield sufficient funding to run him at the final two races, Team Moore Racing opened the door for Peter Dempsey to compete at the Grand Prix of Houston this weekend.

Following the news that Belardi Auto Racing would not yield sufficient funding for the final two races, Team Moore Racing opened the door for Dempsey to compete at the Grand Prix of Houston this weekend.

Dempsey will pilot the No 2 TMR / Global Tubing / ALS Association car alongside longtime competitor and friend, Conor Daly. 

This weekend’s street course will be the first time the Irishman and his Irish-American colleague will debut as teammates.

“I could not be happier to be joining Team Moore Racing for the Houston race,” said Dempsey. 

“TMR, Mark Moore, and Tom Wood are proven multiple race winners in the Firestone Indy Lights series, and I am heading to Houston with great confidence that I am surrounded by the right people. 

'I’m also really looking forward to having Conor Daly as my teammate for the weekend.  We are friends off the track and competitors on the track, so I think we will work really well together and hopefully be in the position to reward TMR with the results they deserve.

“Team Moore Racing is giving me the opportunity to keep my title fight alive, and for that, I will always be thankful.  I’d really like to thank all of my team sponsors along with my personal sponsors for making this all come together” he concluded.

Dempsey currently lies fifth in the championship and is one of five drivers vying for the championship title and coveted $1 million scholarship towards an IndyCar drive in 2014. 

His new partnership with TMR, who concluded last season with one pole position, two wins, four podiums, and third in the championship, could very well be a winning combination to boost his chances at the title.

This will be IndyCar’s first return to the 1.7-mile street circuit of Houston since 2007. 

The 10-turn course incorporates Houston landmarks Reliant Stadium, the Reliant Astrodome, and Reliant Arena. 

The first practice of the weekend will take place at 10.25am EST on Friday, followed by a second practice session at 3pm EST. 

Qualifying will commence at 9.35am EST on Saturday with the race to follow at 1.30pm EST.  Coverage of the race will be shown at 4pm EST on Sunday, October 6 on NBC Sports Network.

John Donohoe