Youngster with Elite Racing Heritage Joins Another Family Dedicated to the Honor, Spirit & Memory of Pete Orr

Scott McAllister – 2/19/2012  Most of the drivers and teams entered into the 10 Annual Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100  either raced against, worked with, knew of, were tutored by, or if lucky were, able to know Pete on a personal and friendly level.  Many of the younger drivers could only settle for the “good old stories” about Pete and the old “Horsen Around” team, and his dominance of not only this special event, but at tracks and series across the southeast.  They also learned about his passion for racing, his love of life, his dedication to his family and his wonderful attitude towards the world in general.

This year, a 15 year old youngster also had an excellent role model in his family, was awarded the Pete Orr Sportsman Award.  Pietro Fittipaldi is the Brazilian born American grandson of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi.  “Pietro has taken advantage of learning from his grandfather and how to handle himself professionally and personally on and off the track” said Pete’s son Bobby.  “I had the opportunity to work with Pietro during a project with Lee Faulk Racing and was impressed how he handled the pressure of a famous family racing heritage and his drive and determination to make a name for himself on his own merit.”

Fittipaldi accepted the award with humility and honor, and an awareness of the special “Pete Orr Sportsman Award” family including past winners Lee Collins, Chad Pierce, Bobby Sears and Tim Russell.  “I know how much he affected so many drivers and their careers” said Fittipaldi.  I’m flattered and grateful, and will try and live up to the same standards of Mr. Orr.”

Pietro is currently competing in the NASCAR Wheelen All American Series at Hickory and Tri-County Speedway in North Carolina.  Pietro has been racing since he was 8, and has 27 wins and 3 championships.  He is a straight A student and is fluent in 3 languages.