Canadian owner/driver overcame challenges at Sebring to showcase speed and skill 

INNISFIL, ONT. – Matthew Di Leo and MDL Racing's opening run of the 2013 season this past week (February 5-6) proved to be an up-and-down affair, but the Canadian driver and squad exited the Cooper Tires Winterfest races at Sebring excited about what lies ahead in their quest for top honors. The highly-regarded teenager was considered a front-runner in all three races of the Florida tripleheader, and while the two top-10 finishes don't fully reflect Di Leo's true pace and skill, the stage is now set for a run at a place on the podium this coming weekend (February 9-10), when the six-race pre-season series concludes at Palm Beach International Raceway.

Di Leo, unlike many of the skilled USF2000 Championship field, entered the opening three races of the Winterfest championship having not conducted assorted off-season testing. Given that fact, the focus early on was to get re-acclimated to his No. 56 RES Precast Inc./MDL Racing racer and the bumpy yet fast 3.64-mile Sebring road course. Steadily finding more speed as the 17 year-old worked with his skilled crew to fine-tune the car, Di Leo posted the 10th best time in the lone qualifying run, earning a row five starting position.

When the green flag waved for the first race of the 2013 campaign a short time after qualifying, Di Leo wasted little time showcasing the racecraft that led him to fourth in last year's USF2000 Championship points chase. Unfortunately, Di Leo's charge up the scoring charts was hampered first by contact with another racer that bent his front wing, then a fuel pickup issue. The Canadian, never one to give up, battled through the adversity, coming home with a hard fought 10th place finish.

Returning to the cockpit one day later, race two of the triple bill featured Di Leo getting the green flag from row eight, due to the fact the grid was set by each driver's fast lap time in race one, in which he had a less than ideal racing steed. Di Leo, yet again, was quick to display his affinity for going forward when the cars went head-to-head. Up to sixth by lap two, he was subsequently given a drive through penalty for a jumped start. Rejoining near the rear of the field, the MDL Racing owner/driver was an unrepresentative 14th when the checkered flag waved.

Di Leo was back behind the wheel for race three near the end of the day with an eye on further developing his racecraft and his car for the rest of the Winterfest championship. Getting the green from row six, he was immediately involved an entertaining fight for positions. The Canadian rose to a high of seventh place, before crossing the stripe for the final time in ninth.

"While we didn't get the results we desired at Sebring, it was great to get back behind the wheel," said Di Leo. "I was definitely a little rusty out there, but we learned a lot that will help us moving forward. I'm already excited about the three races at Palm Beach International Raceway."

Di Leo and the MDL Racing squad return to action this weekend (February 9-10), when the six-race  Cooper Tires Winterfest series concludes with three more races at Palm Beach International Raceway.

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.