News

SKIP BARBER CHAMP ASHLEY FREIBERG COMPLETES
USF2000 TEST WITH ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT

Ashley Sets Her Sights On The Next Level

Ashley Freiberg

Oct. 22, 2010 - Ashley Freiberg, winner of two Skip Barber Series championships in 2010, completed a day of testing in an USF2000 National Championship race car for Andretti Autosport on Monday, Oct. 18.

Freiberg, an 18-year-old driver from Homer Glen, Ill., ran 146 laps, or about 248 miles, at Putnam Park Road Course in Putnamville, Ind. Despite cold and wet track conditions, she only had one spin during the course of the testing day.

Putnam Park Road Course is a 1.78-mile, 10-turn road course. The facility opened in 1991 and regularly serves as a testing course for many professional race teams.

Andretti Autosport won the 2010 USF2000 National Championship team title with drivers Sage Karam and Zach Veach. Sanctioned by INDYCAR, the USF2000 National Championship, presented by Cooper Racing Tires and powered by Mazda, is one of two series part of both INDYCAR’s Road to Indy ladder system and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver program.

MICHAEL ANDRETTI, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT:
"We were excited to hear good things about Ashley from the guys we had on site at the test. She put in some very respectable lap times. I think she showed a lot of potential and did a great job, considering this was just her first time in an USF2000 car."

ASHLEY FREIBERG, DRIVER:
"Testing at Putnam in the Andretti Autosport USF2000 car was a blast! It was my first time to ever drive that car, so I was pretty shocked at the amount of grip it had through high speed corners. I am a fast learner, so I felt I was able to adapt at a pretty good pace. Running with the Andretti Autosport team was definitely an awesome experience. The crew was great, the car was great; I felt like I had been spoiled with such a high quality atmosphere. I loved every minute of being in an environment where I can learn."

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

FREIBERG SCORES 2ND 2010 SKIP BARBER TITLE;
TEENAGER WINS 23 RACES THIS YEAR

Woman Racer Captured Barber Southern Title and Summer Series Crown

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 11, 2010) - Ashley Freiberg (Fry-berg) completed a sensational 2010 racing campaign last weekend at Lime Rock Park by winning three of four races and collecting her second Skip Barber Series championship.

Freiberg, the18-year-old driver from Homer Glen, Ill., joined a selected group of drivers in Skip Barber Racing history to win two series titles in the same season. Ashley scored the Southern Region crown in April and the Summer Series last Saturday on the 1.54-mile road course in northwest Connecticut.

Freiberg's Saturday Barber formula car victory was the 23rd feature win for the personable female racer.

"The win at Lime Rock was a great way to finish off the 2010 season," said Freiberg, a Team USA Scholarship finalist. "I want to thank everyone who helped me this year especially my sponsor Akzo Nobel, my family and friends and the Skip Barber people. To win two series championship in the same year is a great accomplishment. I hope to continue my progression in auto racing and move up to the next level in 2011."

Freiberg also captured two main events in the MX5 Cup for Mazda sedans at Lime Rock last weekend.

"I never thought I could win 23 races in a year," said Freiberg. "Actually, I probably could have won some more without a few mishaps. But that is racing. Overall, it was a great year."

Freiberg also won the Skip Barber "Coaches Choice Award" in the BFGoodrich Barber National presented by Mazda which is given to the best overall performance by a driver on and off the track.

Freiberg scored several firsts for the Skip Barber racing program by becoming the first woman to win a series championship (Southern Region) and the first woman to win a Barber National Series race (New Jersey Motorsports Park).

"We are working hard right now for the 2011 season," she said. "A driver has to put in a lot of time off the track too. I have been working behind the scenes in getting things ready for the upcoming season. I look forward to another exciting year."

Freiberg will be in Indianapolis this week to participate in the Lyn St. James Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation charity karting event set for Thursday, Oct. 14, at Fast Times Karting Center.

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

ASHLEY FREIBERG NOMINATED FOR TEAM USA SCHOLARSHIP;
FEMALE RACER SURVIVES WILD ROAD AMERICA WEEKEND

18-Year-Old Racer Only 2nd Woman Nominated for Prestigious Award

Ashley shows her skill at Road America.

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (Aug. 24, 2010) - Last Saturday at Road America, Ashley Freiberg stood before a packed media center to participate in a prestigious presentation - the announcement of the 2010 Team USA Scholarship nominees.

Freiberg, the 18-year-old driver from Homer Glen, Ill., became only the second woman ever nominated for a chance to race in the world-renowned Formula Ford events in England in October and November. Danica Patrick was the first woman racer nominated for the scholarship award in the early 2000s.

Eight drivers were nominated to compete for the United States in several important races later this year. Former Team USA Scholarship winners included the likes of former CART champion Jimmy Vasser, 2004 Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice, IndyCar Series and CART race winner Bryan Herta, NASCAR star A.J. Allmendinger and former Indy Lights titleholder J.R. Hildebrand.

Freiberg has won 15 Skip Barber events in 2010 and was the first woman to win a Barber Series championship when she captured the Southern Regional title in April.

Last month, Freiberg made more history by being the first female winner ever in the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Series presented by Mazda when she drove to victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
"It has been a tremendous year for me and this nomination of the Team USA Scholarship is icing on the cake," said Freiberg, who is attempting to win the Barber Summer Series for a second title in the same season. "It is a very prestigious honor to be even nominated with a group of talented, young drivers. I am thrilled to be a part of the Team USA shoot-out later this year."

Freiberg and the other seven nominees will participate in a special "shoot-out" hosted by the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving at Chandler, Ariz., to determine the top two Americans who will travel to the U.K. for the upcoming events.

Last weekend in the two Barber National Series races at Road America, Freiberg was seeking another victory on the famed four-mile road circuit. However, while she was leading the Saturday feature event, Freiberg's open-wheel machine was stuck from behind by an over-aggressive driver and forced out of the event due to car damage.

"I was very frustrated by Saturday's race," she said. "There I was in the lead (over 20 drivers) as I entered turn five. Then 'boom,' I was hit and knocked out of the race. That crash also affected my Sunday event. The car wasn't the same for the race. I was able to lead for some of the Sunday race, but I had to settle for fifth due to the Saturday damage. I know that is part of racing, but I had a great shot to win again."

Freiberg will continue her quest for another Barber crown this weekend in the Summer Series contest at Gratten, Mich.

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

ASHLEY FREIBERG IMPRESSIVE IN FIRST 2010 STAR MAZDA RACE

Female Racer Takes Fifth In Autobahn Country Club Event

JOLIET, Ill. (Aug. 1, 2010) - Ashley Freiberg continued her impressive 2010 racing season last Saturday (July 31) by recording a top-five finish in her first Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear competition on the 3.56-mile Autobahn Country Club road circuit.

The 18-year-old driver from nearby Homer Glen, Ill., moved from her Skip Barber National Series victory on July 18 at New Jersey Motorsports Park to the Joliet doubleheader event with the bigger Star Mazda open-wheel cars. And the larger cars didn't intimidate Freiberg.

With little practice due to several mechanical problems with her car, Freiberg showed her wet weather driving talent on Saturday by qualifying the CDE/AkzoNobel/ Charley Horse Restaurant machine in the ninth position in the rain.

In the 45-minute main event, Freiberg fought her way from ninth to fifth at the checkered flag. "I really didn't have any big expectations coming into the weekend," said Freiberg, who won the Barber Southern Regional title earlier this year. "I was hoping to get a top-ten finish this weekend. It was a learning experience for me. Then we had so much difficulty with the motor and the car. I didn't think we would be able to do much because of the lack of track time."

But Freiberg's smooth Saturday run in a new series was noticed by many Star Mazda regulars. "The Saturday race was great for me as an upcoming driver," she said. "I met a lot of people and a number of people felt they could help me move into the Star Mazda Championship. Finishing in the top-five in Star Mazda is hard even if you are a regular. For me to do a one-off race and place fifth, it is a tremendous feeling. It was an awesome experience for me."

The second race of the doubleheader weekend was not as successful for Freiberg. Qualifying 17th, Ashley moved to 11th in the first three laps before was knocked out of contention by another driver. She finished 19th.

"Getting knocked out of Sunday's race was very disappointing," Freiberg said. "But overall it was a great weekend for me to compete at this level and it was a good learning experience. I can't wait to race in Star Mazda again."

Freiberg will return to Barber racing action next weekend in the Summer Series at Lime Rock Park before the next Barber National Series race on August 20 at Road America.

"I am racing for championships in the Barber races right now," Ashley said. "So I need to concentrate on those events coming up in August. But this weekend was very exciting. It was fun to race in front of my friends and family, too. They don't get to see race that often now."

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

Ashley Freiberg Looks To Continue Her Winning Ways In Lime Rock Skip Barber Regional Action

Young Female Sets Lime Rock Track Record in Barber National Race

Ashley at speed.

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (June 10, 2010) - Young racer Ashley Freiberg is set to return to the winner's circle this weekend at Lime Rock Park.

The 18-year-old driver from Homer Glen, Ill., currently leads the Skip Barber Summer Series point standings after three regional wins in four races thus far in the 16-event campaign. Freiberg already set Barber racing history this winter by becoming the first woman to capture a series championship, taking the Southern Region title.

Now, the personable Akzo Nobel-sponsored competitor goes for her fourth and fifth Summer Series wins this Friday and Saturday (June 11-12) on the fast 1.54-mile road circuit in northwest Connecticut. Freiberg recently set a new track record at Lime Rock in the BFGoodrich/Barber National Series event last month. Freiberg, who finished second in a Barber National race at Virginia this year, was in position to make more history by winning her first National series race at Lime Rock on May 31.

Unfortunately, her chance to win was dashed when she spun dicing for the lead in the Memorial Day race. "I had one of the best cars I have had in Barber racing," said Freiberg about her last Lime Rock performance. "I was battling for the lead and got a little too anxious. I spun and had to come back from 12th to finish seventh. "I was disappointed because I could see myself at the top of the winner's podium for the first time in the Barber National series. No woman has done that. But now I have to concentrate on this weekend's events at Lime Rock. I want to continue to lead the point standings and gain more experience."

Freiberg has shown outstanding racing characteristics in her Barber career as she battles wheel-to-wheel with some strong international talent. "Lime Rock is a fun track to drive," said Ashley. "But the racing gets very tight and contact is always a possibility. Any contact in a Barber race means you have to come to the pits. So you can't afford any problems like that in these sprint races."

Freiberg is hoping a pair of Lime Rock wins will help propel her to a second Barber series title in the same year. "I think I could make some more history with another Barber series championship," she said. "But I must take each race weekend one at a time. There is still a lot of racing to go this year, both in the regional and national events. I feel like I am improving with each race. That is my goal this year, to improve every time I am in the cockpit. Winning will come if I can do that consistently."

Ashley Freiberg Scores Top Five At Sebring In BFG/Skip Barber National Series Action

Illinois Racer Leads Feature Before Contact Stalls Her Charge

SEBRING, Fla. (March 23, 2010) - Ashley Freiberg recorded a top-five finish last weekend at Sebring International Raceway in the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Series presented by Mazda.

But Freiberg was disappointed with the weekend results since she led one of the two main events on Thursday before her open-wheel car was damaged after being hit during the 10-lap contest.

"I got the lead from the third starting spot and things were going pretty well," said Freiberg. "I was being patient and waiting to make a move for the lead in the last lap. But the drafting got very wild on the final lap and my car got some damage. It's unfortunate because I felt I had a chance to win that race."

In the Friday feature, Freiberg, the 18-year-old racer from Homer Glen, Ill., charged through the field to finish fifth in the 15-car field.

"I had to really come from the back in the Friday race," Freiberg explains. "We had a mechanical problem in qualifying and I only got one lap for time trials. The car just wasn't the same as it was on Thursday. So finishing in the top-five in the second race wasn't too bad. I just thought I had a good chance to win at Sebring."

Freiberg is now preparing for her next Barber National Series weekend set for April 23-25 at Virginia International Raceway.

Ashley Freiberg Opens Barber National Series With Solid Finishes At Homestead

Young Racer Prepares For Sebring Round on March 18-19

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 10, 2010) - Ashley Freiberg was anxious for the 2010 BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Series presented by Mazda to get underway with the season opener at Homestead Miami Speedway.
The 18-year-old driver from Homer Glen, Ill., was seeking to improve on her rookie season when she finished sixth in the 2009 point standings.

"I have been so excited about starting the Barber National series," said Freiberg. "I knew the Homestead opener was more of a drafting contest than a real driving competition. So I was prepared to play the strategy game on the banking and stay in the draft. I was patient and waiting to make the right move."

In the two races held last weekend at Homestead, Freiberg played her strategy for the drafting game. Unfortunately, a red flag halted the first main event and her chances on Saturday, and a wild drafting battle with a six-wide finish hurt her opportunity in the second feature on Sunday.

But the fourth and seventh places proved to be solid finishes for Freiberg despite her misfortunes. She currently ranks sixth after the two races of the 14-event series.

"I felt I drove the cars to their maximum on both days," Freiberg explained. "I was waiting to make my move on the lap few laps in the first race. But a late-race crash brought out the red flag, and I never had my chances. So I had to settle for fourth.

"Of course, I was less than a tenth of a second out of first place. In the second race, I was very fast in the infield portion of the circuit. But on the oval portion, I just couldn't get into position to challenge for the win with all of the drafting. Overall, I was pleased with my driving and I look forward to a track like Sebring now."

Freiberg recently drove the famed Sebring circuit in the Southern Regional event and won both main events. The Barber National series next rounds are March 18-19 at Sebring as part of the 58th annual 12 Hours of Sebring weekend.

"I am confident coming into Sebring," Ashley admitted. "I knew the Homestead race would be all about drafting and I played that game pretty well. The red flag cost me there. But Sebring is a tough, physical track. It is technical for a driver. I feel my style is good for Sebring. I have won there several times. It won't be easy with a tough national field. It will be great being part of the 12 Hours of Sebring weekend."

Freiberg, now sponsored by Akzo Nobel, is developing her racing career after recently graduating from Lockport High School outside of Chicago. Ashley has started an intense workout regime and makes presentations to youth groups as well as sponsors.

"There are so many more things to work with in racing than the driving portion," said Freiberg. "I have been attending seminars and I have learned about the behind the scenes events of motorsports. I have made presentations to Girl Scout groups as well as filming a variety of shows. It can be as fun as driving the race car."

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

Ashley Freiberg Scores Another Double Win In Skip Barber Southern Regional Action

Ashley Continues To Lead Series Points After Winning From The Pole

SEBRING, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2010) - Ashley Freiberg continued her 2010 racing season in impressive fashion last weekend at the legendary Sebring International Raceway.

Freiberg, the 18-year-old racer from Homer Glen, Ill., performed a clean sweep in the Skip Barber Southern Regional events last Saturday and Sunday on the famed 3.7-mile, 17-turn road circuit by winning both open-wheel main events. The two feature wins keeps Freiberg in the 2009-2010 Southern Region point lead after eight races in the 12-event campaign. Starting from the pole position in the Saturday race, Freiberg drove her Akzo Nobel-sponsored Barber open-wheel machine to a dominating advantage in the regional action. In the eight-lap contest, Ashley won by 7.78 seconds over Dennis Trebing.

"It was exciting to race on the full track at Sebring," said Freiberg, entering her second full season in open-wheel cars after capturing several world karting titles. "I was so much more focused this weekend on what I needed to do. I wanted to be more consistent with my driving, and I felt I accomplished that throughout the two events."

In the Sunday competition, Freiberg again started from the pole, but Trebing was able to put on the pressure by staying within a much closer distance. She never looked back to secure her second victory of the weekend and fifth of the season.

"At the start, Dennis tried hard to apply the pressure and even had a pass on me into turn 17," said Freiberg, the recent high school graduate. "but once I recaptured the lead into turn one in the second lap I was able to stay there the rest of the race. I knew that if I just drove consistent laps with fewer mistakes, the results would come. Winning both of the races at Sebring definitely prepared me for the upcoming BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Series."

The 14-race Barber National tour begins on March 5-7 at the Homestead Miami Speedway 2.21-mile road circuit with the Grand Am Series. The series then moves to Sebring for the March 18-19 as part of the 12 Hours of Sebring weekend.

In 2009, Freiberg finished sixth in the final BFGoodrich/Barber National Series point standings.
"I feel much more confident entering the 2010 season," Freiberg said. "I was a rookie driver in the Barber National series last year. I needed to learn a lot about the cars, the different tracks, and (most of all) the race craft. Now, after last year, I believe I can be consistently at the front and challenge for wins on the national level."

Freiberg is sponsored by Akzo Nobel N.V., the world's leading decorative paints company as well as the leading salt specialist. The Dutch conglomerate, headquartered in Amsterdam, has activities in 80 countries and employs about 60.000 people in the fields of decorative paints, performance coatings and specialty chemicals.

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

Ashley Freiberg Starts 2010 Racing Season;
Leads Skip Barber Southern Points After Six Races

Young Racer Adds Akzo Nobel As An Associate Sponsor

SEBRING, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2010) - Talented, young female racer Ashley Freiberg is prepared for an exciting new racing campaign in 2010.

Freiberg, 18, hits the legendary pavement at Sebring International Raceway this Thursday and Friday (Jan. 28-29) as the top contenders in the high-competitive BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Series powered by Mazda championship begin testing sessions.

The 14-race Barber National tour gets underway on March 5-7 at the Homestead Miami Speedway 2.21-mile road circuit as part of the Rolex Grand-Am Series weekend. Freiberg has already made an impressive showing on the Homestead Miami Speedway course with a close runner-up finish last weekend in the Barber Southern Regional open-wheel event. The second place gives Freiberg the current regional point lead after the first six races in the 2009-2010 series.

"It felt good to get back on the track after the winter in the Midwest," said Freiberg, the recent high school graduate from Homer Glen, Ill. "I needed to get the rust off a little in the early portion of the weekend. But I was able to race at the front of the field and lead the race before I got nipped for the win. It was a good way to return to competition. Now, I am ready for the Barber National test at Sebring."

Freiberg finished sixth in the final BFGoodrich/Barber National Series point standings in 2009, her rookie season in car racing.

A multi-time karting national champion, Freiberg is expected to be one of the challengers for the 2010 Barber National Series title.

"At my age, I need all of the track time I can get," said Freiberg. "So racing in the Southern Series is important as I prepare for the National Series this year. The Southern Series picks up a lot of National Series drivers and the racing is competitive, especially for a regional race. Since you can race in Florida in the winter, a number of drivers look to improve their skills in the Southern Series. This past weekend was good for me to get prepared for the National Series."

As Freiberg prepares for her second season in auto racing, the personable teenager has secured a new sponsor for 2010.

Akzo Nobel N.V., the world's leading Coatings Company, will serve as an associate sponsor on Freiberg's racing activities this year. The Dutch conglomerate, headquartered in Amsterdam, has activities in 80 countries and employs about 60.000 people in the fields of decorative paints, performance coatings and specialty chemicals. In fact, Akzo Nobel is the largest global paints and coatings company. As a major producer of specialty chemicals we supply industries worldwide with quality ingredients for life's essentials. We think about the future, but act in the present. Akzo Nobel is passionate about introducing new ideas and developing sustainable answers for their customers. Freiberg will attend a variety of Akzo Nobel activities as a spokesperson.

"I am extremely excited to have a sponsor such as Akzo Nobel," Freiberg said. "Akzo Nobel is a world leader in the business arena, and it has a long history of successful and outstanding products dating back to the 17th century. I am honored to be associated with this great corporation."

Freiberg was busy off the track this winter, too.

Ashley graduated from Lockport High School in December and began developing her 2010 racing program.

Freiberg was a popular participant in the Road Racing Drivers Club/FIA Young Drivers Symposium held in conjunction with Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Fla., in December. She was one of many young drivers learning about the disciplines of performance, safety and fitness in the four-hour seminar.

Contact: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, tomblattler@earthlink.net

Freiberg Sweeps Skip Barber Races

Illinois Teenager Wins Both Skip Barber Events at Road Atlanta

BRASELTON, GA. - Young racer Ashley Freiberg recorded a clean sweep last weekend at Road Atlanta in the Skip Barber Southern Regional Series races.

The 17-year-old high school senior from Homer Glen, Ill., continued her impressive open-wheel performances by winning both 15-lap feature events Saturday (Nov. 14) on the famed 2.54-mile, 12-turn road circuit after she secured the pole position in Friday's qualification runs.

"I am still soaking in what has just taken place," said Freiberg, a former WKA national karting champion. "I have never been at the top of the charts for an entire weekend in my whole racing career in cars. Road Atlanta is one of my favorite tracks, and it takes a lot of technical driving, so it is always great to win there. Winning is a super way to finish off the 2009 season, and I really feel that I am bringing myself to the next level." I would also like to thank my sponsor, Akzo Nobel for the support and confidence that they have given me.

Freiberg, who finished sixth in the final BFGoodrich Barber National Series points this year, took the top spot in Friday's qualifying action with an average of 92.683 miles per hour clocking under sunny skies at the northern Georgia racing facility.

On Saturday, Freiberg scored a four-second win over Kevin Tittle in the 15-lap race, while she also recorded the fastest racing lap in the 18-driver field. In the second feature, Freiberg and Tittle resumed their battle with a tremendous wheel-to-wheel confrontation before Tittle slid over the track late in the race. Ashley took the checkered flag over Trent Hindman by six seconds with Tittle coming back for third.

"Kevin and I had a great battle in the second race," Freiberg explained. "Both of our cars were very fast, and Kevin drove a great race."

Freiberg has moved to the top of the Southern Regional point standings following her double win weekend at Road Atlanta. Ashley returns the track in the next Skip Barber Southern Regional event set for Miami-Homestead Speedway on Jan. 23-24, 2010.

Freiberg Survives Hectic Week To Prepare For Lime Rock; Teenager Impressive At Road Atlanta

17-Year-Old Wins Karting Race, Teaches Sports Stars To Drive Fast

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 8, 2009) - Ashley Freiberg has been jet-setting with the best of them lately. The 17-year-old racer from Homer Glen, Ill., isn't about slow down either.

Freiberg participated in four racing events a week ago in Atlanta and West Palm Beach including winning a charity karting race, setting the fast race lap in the BFGoodrich Skip Barber National open-wheel competition and teaching other women sports stars, (Olympic Medalists and XGame's World Champions) how to drive fast in the AMG Mercedes Driving Experience.

Now, the Lockport High School senior prepares for her final Barber National race of the year this weekend (Oct. 9-10) at Lime Rock Park, Connecticut, currently ranked sixth in the national point standings in her rookie season.

"That was a pretty wild week with all of the racing and driving events," said Freiberg, who spent much of last week working on her studies. It was a blast winning the charity karting feature with Shannon McIntosh in the John Gorsline-sponsored charity race event. Then I ran well at Road Atlanta in the Skip Barber National events. And finally, it was a great experience to drive with these amazing sports stars in the AMG Mercedes experience. It was just a great week for a young woman like me to be involved."

Freiberg, a former karting champion, defeated a very competitive field in Tuesday night's Petit three-hour endurance charity race before concentrating on the Barber action.

In the two-race weekend at Road Atlanta, Ashley qualified fourth and was running competitive with the leaders in the opening race before being knocked out of contention by another driver. In the second contest, Freiberg charged from 11th to fourth including establishing the race's fastest lap. The fourth place finish moved Freiberg to sixth in the current national standings entering this weekend's season finale at Lime Rock.

"I felt pretty good about the second race at Road Atlanta," explains Freiberg. "I wasn't happy about getting taken out of the first race. At the green flag I knew I had some time stating 11th. I patiently chose when and where to make my passes and not put my car in a position to risk not finishing the race. I was getting accustomed to the track. It was a great feeling to move up and race with the leaders again. It was similar to the Road America race where I finished on the podium. It was also great to set the fastest race lap, too."

Freiberg wrapped up her busy week by participating in the prestigious two-day AMG Mercedes Driving Experience at the new Palm Beach International Raceway. She drove a variety of AMG Mercedes sedans with world class female athletes from different forms of competition such as XGame's Champions in surfing, skiing and Olympic Medalists skiing and snowboarding.

"I flew to West Palm Beach where I met many female athletes at the reception dinner before the AMG Driving Academy weekend started," said Ashley. "They were all great people. It was cool for me to relate to them with how they had to sacrifice everything to follow their dreams. I mentioned to them that tonight was my homecoming dance at school, they all laughed and said, we never made any of our dances at school or most anything else either. It was an awesome motivation for me to hear them tell me to never give up. It was weird, yet amazing, to be teaching some of these girls how to drive fast. They caught on so quickly to what I would tell them, and they were really fast! Shannon Bahrke, Olympic Silver Medalists of 2002 and World Champion in 2003 and I connected well; we were always in the car together. She would always say to me "you're a little bad ass on the track". Shannon will be returning to the winter Olympics in 2010. As for the AMG Mercedes, WOW, what can I say, they are incredible!

And then it was time to go home, arrived in Chicago at 1:00 AM from West Palm Beach, had to get up for school at 4:45 AM, out of school at 1:00 PM, homework until 5:00 PM and then off to Traffic School for a SPEEDING TICKET!

Teenager Ashley Freiberg Ready For Skip Barber National Event At Road Atlanta; Also Invited To Special Events This Week

Illinois Racer To Participate In Karting and AMG Mercedes Activities Too

BRASLETON, Ga. (Sept 21, 2009) - Ashley Freiberg has been studying hard during her senior year at Lockport Township High School. She needs to get ahead on her studies as her racing schedule is busy as ever this week.

The 17-year-old open-wheel racer from Homer Glen, Ill., wanted to make sure she had her homework completed when she left today for her whirlwind racing trip through the Southeast with five days of racing and appearances.

Freiberg's (pronounced Fry-Berg) primary racing endeavor will be practice, qualifying and two feature races in the Skip Barber BFGoodrich National Series presented by MAZDA competition beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, during the Petit Le Mans weekend at Road Atlanta. The main event races are set for Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25, on the fast 2.54-mile, 12-turn circuit northwest of Atlanta. Freiberg, a series rookie, currently ranks seventh in the Barber National point standings.

"It will be a hectic week for me," said Freiberg, who scored a podium finish last month at Road America. "I have been studying very hard to get ahead in my classes. That way I can concentrate on my races and special appearances this week. The special events are very exciting, too."

Freiberg will kick off her busy week on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with participation in the 8th annual Motorsports Ministries Petit Kart Challenge in Atlanta. Invited by John Gorsline, Freiberg will team with Shannon McIntosh in the three-hour endurance contest, raising funds for Motorsports Ministries and Breast Cancer charities. The Gorsline Company of Rochester, N.Y., hosts the popular annual racing affair.

"I am honored to be invited by John for this event," said Ashley, a two-time WKA world karting champion. "And I want to thank him for his assistance in racing in the prestigious charity event."

Following her racing week at Road Atlanta, Freiberg will travel to West Palm Beach, Fla., to be part of the coveted AMG Mercedes Driving Experience at the new Palm Beach International Raceway. Ashley will drive AMG Mercedes sedans with world class female athletes from different forms of competition such as surfing world champions, Olympic skiing medalists, X Games snowboarding gold medalists and pro freestyle skiers. The two-day special event, set for Sept. 25-26, will be filmed for future telecasts.

"I am so excited to meet these amazing athletes in the spectacular event at West Palm Beach," said Freiberg. "Plus, driving those amazing AMG Mercedes cars will be truly fantastic for a young racer like me. The whole week is something I will never forget."

Young Ashley Freiberg Scores First Podium Finish In Skip Barber National Series Race At Road America

High School Student Takes 3rd In Her Rookie Season Against Int'l Racers

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (Aug. 24, 2009) - Young female racer Ashley Freiberg put herself in the national motorsports limelight this past weekend with her first podium finish in the Skip Barber BFGoodrich National Series presented by MAZDA race held Saturday, Aug. 22, on the famed four-mile road course at Elkhart Lake's Road America.

Freiberg (pronounced Fry-Berg), 17, started 14th in a 15-car field and drove her Mazda-powered open-wheel car through the pack to the challenge the two lead drivers, Conner De Phillippi and Court Vernon, before settling for third in the eight-lap race. Unfortunately, Freiberg's charge on the leaders was halted due to a full-course caution period on the race's final lap.

"We had some problems with the car in qualifying," said Freiberg, a senior at Lockport Township High School in Lockport, Ill. "So I had to start in the back of the field. The car felt great during the race, and I was able to fight my way towards the front.

The last couple of laps were crazy, there were five of us sliding in and out for position, one second your in first or second, the next your in fifth. We had some great wheel-to-wheel racing and I was in position to fight for second when the yellow came out. It was a great weekend and to be racing up front with Connor and Court was pretty cool. Connor is currently 1st and Court is 2nd in the points for the Skip Barber BFGoodrich National Series presented by Mazda. I have learned a lot, "Your on Your Own" when the race is winding down".

I want to thank my coaches Phil Lombardi and Gerardo Bonilla, along with the Skip Barber mechanics and staff for providing us with great cars for an awesome race!!"

Freiberg, a former WKA world karting champion, is making her initial campaign on the Skip Barber open-wheel series after beginning her racing career at age 13 in karts. Earlier this year, Freiberg won the Skip Barber regional races at Sebring, Fla., in February and Elkhart Lake last month.

Freiberg currently ranks seventh in the in the 2009 Skip Barber National point standings after ten of 14 races.

In Sunday's National race, Freiberg moved to second in the field before contact with another car dropped her to fifth.

Freiberg will return to Skip Barber BFGoodrich National Series action on Sept. 22-25 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., as part of the Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda6 American Le Mans Series weekend.

Contact: Ashley Freiberg, racegrl91@aol.com

PHOTO: Seventeen-year-old Ashley Freiberg (second from the left) scored her first podium finish last weekend at Road America in the Skip Barber BFGoodrich National Series event. Freiberg challenged winner Conner De Phillippi and Court Vernon for the win last Saturday. Freiberg, seventh in the Barber National Series point standings, will compete at the next Barber on Sept. 22-25 at Road Atlanta.

Hello Everyone

I am so sorry I was not able to get back to you any sooner than this, but I have been very busy at the Autobahn Country Club these past couple of days along with getting ready to race this weekend in Canada.

I can't thank everyone enough for all the media and press coverage. This was my first time in front of the media like that. As far as the race results go, It was real tough out there but I really learned a lot from all this. I know I have a lot more to experience and learn before I race up front with these guys... but I will be back.

Here is a quick update of the race last weekend at the Autobahn.

The race at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL was going to be my first Star Mazda Race Event. I have tested in the Star Mazda a couple of times, and this was going to be my one-off race of the year. The Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear is a very competitive open-wheel racing series that brings in top drivers from all over the world. My intensions on doing this race were to learn the most I can by getting a feel for the car, the team, the engineering, and what I need to do to better myself before I run a full season.

Ashley Freiberg at the Autograph Session on Saturday.

On Thursday and Friday I was only able to get in 50 minutes of practice because of mechanical issues; the rest of the 22 drivers were on track for three hours. My parents were very skeptical whether or not I should continue the weekend because I am so new to this car, this track, and this series. The seat time was crucial for me to be competitive. Because I had shown so much confidence, my parents gave me the OK to race.

Qualifying was Saturday morning, but due to rain over night, there was standing water on the track. This had caused multiple spins and red flags for my qualifying session. This allowed the whole group to get only one timed green flag lap, I qualified 19th. For race 1, I experienced my first standing start. Now that's a ride!!! I was really nervous, but I held my ground and moved up a couple of positions at the start as seen below. During the race I moved up from 19th to 14th and about three laps into the race I was hit in my right rear wheel from someone making their way back onto the track after they had gone off in front of me. I
ended up spinning and finishing a lap down in 19th place.

1st lap turn 1, and yes, I made the pass stick!!!

I qualified for my second race in the 19th position once again, but I made up for it at the start. I was able to make my way up to 11th by mid race but fell back to 13th which was where I stayed for about 6 laps. As the race went on I made a few rookie mistakes that unfortunately gave up a few positions and caused me to finish 18th. But in the end, I was able to prove that with a little more seat time in the car, I will have more confidence and be very competitive in the Star Mazda Series.

Sincerely,

Ashley Freiberg

Ashley Freiberg Races SCCA National with Star Mazda Series Team GDT
April 16-18 2009

Ashley Freiberg, a 17 year old junior at Lockport High School in Homer Glen Illinois had the opportunity for some (high level) practice prior to the Skip Barber National Race weekend, April 23-26. Ashley attended the SCCA Oak Tree Double National Race at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia with team GDT in a Pro Star Mazda. Ashley is planning to race in the Star Mazda Series next season, so this test has served many answers. Ashley has learned a great deal this week and we know this experience her will help her along the way. Going into this race Ashley had no expectations on were she will end up because of the variety of different race cars in this class, the goal was simply to get more seat time and make the most out of it as well.

Ashley arrived at the track Thursday morning and the team and crew were ready to get to work. They had to make quite a few adjustments to the car to fit Ashley, the position of the pedals, weights, and more. In Ashley's first session she was only able to get four laps under green because of multiple red flags. In fact, there wasn't one session without a red flag, which allowed her group to get in only 17 laps under green for the entire practice day. By the end of the first day, Ashley was able to lay down a lap time of 1:51:4. The current Star Mazda Series drivers that had been at VIR testing the week before were laying lap times of low 1:50's and high 1:48's, so Ashley was not far off.

On Friday morning Ashley had only two sessions, a practice and a qualifying session. The first practice, once again, was red flagged. So she ended up using that round as a warm-up session. For qualifying, it became more of a hunt for a lap with no traffic than anything else. "Because I was grouped with cars that had a very wide range of speed, both much faster and much slower, and on top of that with drivers with a very wide range of talent, it was very difficult to find a free lap," said Ashley. She did happen to get one clean open lap, where she pulled a lap time of 1:49:9. Ashley ended up qualifying 4th out of 57 cars and finished 5th in the race.

"I love driving this car! And it was really exciting for me to know that I am capable of pulling lap times within a second of the Star Mazda pro drivers in my second time testing in the car."

Ashley's race was Saturday morning April 18th; she couldn't wait to get into this unbelievable race car. "This is so unbelievably fast compared to some of the cars I have driven Ashley said" It's really cool, the feeling of the arrow down force gives you the confidence to drive the car much harder/faster through turns, you can brake way later because of the added down force also. With the results from her two tests in this car, Ashley has been given the "boost" and now has a better understanding on what she needs to focus on. "I am driven, I work hard…period, and I will make it to THE NEXT LEVEL. I am confident that I will be very competitive by the time April of 2010 rolls around." Ashley said.

Team GDT has been great with me. The Engineer and crew were very pleased with the results from this weekend." Bob Markley and lead Mechanic Paul Mata have given me great support and confidence. Everyone was great at Team GDT, I had a blast, the car was awesome and I can't wait for an opportunity like this to come again. I would also like to give a big thank you to JW Roberts for this awesome opportunity.

This Wednesday, Ashley will be leaving once again to VIR to race in the BF Goodrich Skip Barber National Series presented by MAZDA. "It should be interesting getting back into the Skip Barber Race car, this car is a great learning tool and I know I will always have a lot to learn" Ashley's races will be on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, as support races to the Rolex Series.

Ashley Freiberg Captures First Win in BF Goodrich Skip Barber Race Series presented by MAZDA

It was Saturday morning, February 14, 2009; 17 year old Ashley Freiberg of Homer Glen Illinois, and a Lockport High School Junior arrived at the Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida to race in the BF Goodrich Skip Barber Race

Series presented by MAZDA. This race weekend actually started the Thursday before, but because she did not want to miss any school days, she decided to skip the Thursday and Friday practices and show up for the qualifying runs that morning. "I really wasn't all that worried," said Ashley, "I've had some seat time there, and because I'm in AP and Honors classes, it's just too difficult for me to miss school." Ashley was paired up with Skip Barber instructor, professional race car driver and friend, Gerardo Bonilla, who had helped her throughout the entire weekend. Gerardo was at Ashley's side to study track maps, review car data, in-car videos, and radio coaching.