Michael d’Orlando Bio
Michael d’Orlando (born March 6, 2002) is an American racing driver who last competed in the 2025 Indy NXT series driving for Andretti Cape Indy NXT. He is best known as the 2022 USF2000 champion, a title he captured in dramatic fashion at the season finale. Across his young career, d’Orlando has worked his way up the American open-wheel ladder, racing in Formula 4 United States Championship, the USF2000 Championship, and the USF Pro 2000 Championship before reaching the Indy NXT level.
Born in Hartsdale, New York, d’Orlando has developed a reputation as a consistent front-runner with a strong work ethic. His progression from karting and entry-level open-wheel cars to a top-tier IndyCar development series reflects years of focused effort and steady improvement behind the wheel.
Early Life and Background
Michael d’Orlando was born on March 6, 2002, in Hartsdale, New York, United States. Growing up in the New York area, he was introduced to motorsports at a young age and quickly developed a passion for open-wheel racing. The competitive karting scene in the region provided an early training ground, allowing him to sharpen his race craft before moving into formula cars.
His family has played an important role in his racing journey. His younger brother, Nicholas d’Orlando, is also a racing driver, and the two have shared an enthusiasm for motorsports that helped shape Michael’s path. The brothers’ shared interest in racing helped turn a childhood hobby into a clear career direction for Michael d’Orlando.
Path to NASCAR
Although Michael d’Orlando has been widely identified as a stock-car prospect at various points in his development, his verified professional career to date has been built in open-wheel racing rather than NASCAR. His path has run through junior formula categories sanctioned in the United States, including the F2000 Championship Series and the Formula 4 United States Championship, where he gained early single-seater experience.
That foundation in open-wheel competition led him to the USF2000 Championship and later the USF Pro 2000 Championship, both well-known steps on the Road to Indy ladder. His results at each level prepared him for the next, ultimately bringing him to the Indy NXT series, where he currently pilots the No. 3 car for Andretti Cape Indy NXT.
Michael d’Orlando Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Michael d’Orlando’s earliest verified single-seater experience came in 2017 with a season in the F2000 Championship Series, where he began learning the basics of formula-car racing. The following year, in 2018, he moved into the U.S. F2000 National Championship with Team Benik, gaining valuable seat time against experienced junior formula drivers.
In 2019, d’Orlando stepped up to the Formula 4 United States Championship with Velocity Racing Development, joining the series at the third round at Virginia International Raceway. He adapted quickly to the new car, capping his partial season with a third-place finish in the final race at Circuit of the Americas.
USF2000 Championship Breakthrough (2020-2022)
On March 3, 2020, d’Orlando announced he would return to the USF2000 Championship for the full season with Cape Motorsports. He enjoyed a breakthrough year, capturing his first series victory at Mid-Ohio and finishing fourth in the championship standings. The result confirmed that he could compete at the front of the field.
He stayed with Cape Motorsports in 2021, where he won three races and finished second in the championship, narrowly missing the title. In 2022, d’Orlando returned to the series for a fourth consecutive year. A season-long battle with Myles Rowe and Jace Denmark came down to the final race at Portland, where d’Orlando’s victory sealed the 2022 USF2000 Championship and marked the defining achievement of his early career.
USF Pro 2000 Championship and Indy NXT Move (2023-Present)
For 2023, d’Orlando advanced to the USF Pro 2000 Championship with Turn 3 Motorsport, taking the next step on the Road to Indy. The move gave him experience in a more powerful car and prepared him for the leap to Indy NXT, the official IndyCar development series.
In 2024, d’Orlando debuted in Indy NXT with Andretti Cape Indy NXT, driving the No. 3 car. The 2025 season continued his role with the same team, giving him the chance to build consistency at one of the most demanding levels of American open-wheel racing. Working with an established organization like Andretti has provided him with strong engineering support and a clear platform for growth.
Driving Style and Strengths
Michael d’Orlando has shown a steady, methodical driving style that suits long championship campaigns. He performs well on road and street circuits, where consistency and tire management are crucial, and he has a track record of delivering strong results at the end of seasons. His partnership with Andretti Cape Indy NXT has given him the engineering structure needed to refine his race craft at the Indy NXT level.
Notable Races and Milestones
Among the highlights of d’Orlando’s career are his first USF2000 victory at Mid-Ohio, his three-win 2021 USF2000 campaign, and the title-clinching win at Portland in 2022. His debut in Indy NXT in 2024 marked a major step forward, signaling his arrival on one of motorsport’s most respected development stages.
Michael d’Orlando Career Wins
Michael d’Orlando has built a steady collection of victories across American open-wheel competition, with his most decorated stretch coming in the USF2000 Championship. His wins include his first career series victory at Mid-Ohio, three additional wins in 2021, and the decisive 2022 finale at Portland that secured the championship.
USF2000 Championship Highlights
d’Orlando captured four verified USF2000 race wins, highlighted by his first victory at Mid-Ohio in 2020, three more wins in 2021, and the title-winning performance at Portland in 2022. That final-race victory in 2022 stands as the signature moment of his USF2000 tenure, capping years of development with Cape Motorsports.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside of USF2000, d’Orlando earned a podium result during his partial 2019 Formula 4 United States Championship campaign, finishing third at Circuit of the Americas. He has continued to chase his first Indy NXT win while gaining experience with Andretti Cape Indy NXT.
Michael d’Orlando Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Michael d’Orlando comes from a family with a strong interest in motorsports. His younger brother, Nicholas d’Orlando, is also a racing driver, and the two share a bond shaped by competition and a love of racing. The family has been a steady source of support as Michael has worked his way up the open-wheel ladder.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Hartsdale, New York, Michael d’Orlando has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye as he focuses on his racing career. His connection to family and his New York roots remain important parts of his identity as he continues to compete at higher levels of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Michael d’Orlando’s continued development in Indy NXT with Andretti Cape Indy NXT, driving the No. 3 car. Building on his rookie 2024 campaign, he is focused on turning early experience into consistent top results and a stronger run through the season. The work with his engineering group has been central to refining his pace and race-day execution.
As the year unfolds, d’Orlando’s goals include improving qualifying performance, finishing races in the top tier of the field, and positioning himself for a playoff push. Each event provides another chance to adapt to the demands of Indy NXT and to prove he belongs in one of North America’s most competitive development series.
Looking ahead, d’Orlando’s outlook with Andretti Cape Indy NXT remains positive. With a respected team, a stable car number, and a clear path for growth, he enters the remainder of 2025 determined to convert steady progress into breakthrough results.