Freiberg Prepares For Sebring Round on March 18-19

HOMESTEAD, 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.

AshleyfinishHomestead2010 Six Wide in Homestead Finish

“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.”