Freiberg Jumps Up To Star Mazda Cars This Weekend

SONOMA, November 4, 2009: Ashley Freiberg travels to Infineon Raceway this weekend as enthused as she been during her rookie season in open-wheel racing.

The 17-year-old Homer Glen, Ill., youngster comes to the famed Northern California road circuit for the opening round of the Molecule Formula Mazda Challenge, as she moves into the pro division for the second time this year.

Freiberg, a senior at Lockport High School, enjoyed a successful weekend two weeks ago at Carolina Motorsports Park when she captured a Skip Barber Southern Region main event and placing second in three other features. Freiberg finished sixth in the Skip Barber BFGoodrich National Series standings this year in her first season.

Freiberg, a five-time WKA karting champion, made her initial Star Mazda start in July at the Harrah’s Autobahn Grand Prix presented by Mazda, racing for GDT Racing of Dallas. She will drive one of GDT Racing’s Mazda-powered open-wheel car (240 horsepower) in the 3-day Winter Series event on the 2.245-mile, 12-turn road course.

“We had a good weekend in South Carolina in the Skip Barber series,” said Freiberg. “Now, I am moving up to the Star Mazda car again, and I am very excited. The cars are so neat to race. I was only in one Star Mazda race this year, and I learned a lot about the car and the competition. The GDT team is very good, and I hope to learn much more about this car. And I really like the Infineon track.”

Freiberg made her first Infineon start earlier this year in SCCA action.

“I didn’t get the chance to qualify at Infineon and I had to start last (49th),” she said. “And I drove to fourth in my class. It was so much fun to race at that track. I am looking forward to driving the Pro Mazda car at Infineon. It will be a blast.”

The GDT Racing team, led by team manager Paul Mata, is pleased to have Ashley back in one of its race cars.

“I think she showed she’s the real deal,” said Mata. “She generates a lot of excitement in and out of the car, and she always acts professionally. She is a great addition to any team. I hope we can add Ashley to our driver lineup in 2010.”

Freiberg believes she can be competitive with the Star Mazda car despite her limited experience.

“In my first Star Mazda race, I didn’t get as much time in the car due to a mechanical problem,” Ashley said. “I think I was able to prove, that with a little more seat time in the car, I will be ready to compete very well in the Star Mazda Series”.

Freiberg will continue to campaign in the Skip Barber Winter Series in preparation for her 2010 season. The next Barber event is schedule for Nov. 14-15 at Road Atlanta.

“I would like to move into the Star Mazda Series next year,” said Freiberg. “But I know I need some more ‘seat time’ with the car. That’s why we are running the Infineon race this weekend. You can get a lot of track time at this event.”