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Day Ends Early for Barracuda Racing in Baltimore

Topics: Luca Filippi, Grand Prix of Baltimore

Day Ends Early for Barracuda Racing in Baltimore

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
September 1, 2013

Baltimore, MD – Luca Filippi was off to a strong start in the No. 98 Barracuda Racing car on the streets of Baltimore when a mechanical issue ended the race prematurely on Sunday afternoon.

Throughout the Grand Prix of Baltimore race weekend, the Barracuda Racing team made improvements with each of the three practices, advancing in speed and session result.

Filippi earned a seventh place finish in his qualifying group on Saturday. Advancing an additional spot after another team’s penalty for changing an engine put the Barracuda Racing team in the 13th place spot on the starting grid for the 75-lap race.

Filippi picked up two positions on the first lap of the race before contact with the slowed car of Ryan Hunter-Reay tore off the right front wing flap. Despite this, the team chose to stay out and the No. 98 car remained competitive, running the same pace as the leaders.

On lap 12, Filippi felt the car slow and a small fire emerged from the back of the car. The Italian driver was able to get out of the car safely. Unfortunately, the issue ended the day early for the Barracuda Racing team, with a 22nd place finish.

“It’s a shame because the Barracuda Racing car was very fast during the weekend and especially in the race,” said Filippi. “I felt that I was following the guys at the top and I actually think I was faster. After the first problem, I lost a few spots but then at the end, I felt the car stop. I lost the drive. So we have to look at the data. It’s unfortunate because the Barracuda Racing team gave me a really fast car. It could’ve been a great race for us. I’m sure about it.”

The IZOD IndyCar Series now prepares for a break in the action, returning in five weeks for a double-header race weekend in Houston. The Shell & Penzoil Grand Prix of Houston races will take place on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6. The Indy cars will return to the temporary street circuit surrounding Reliant Park for the first time since 2007.