New driver line up for Action Express Racing at Road Atlanta

DENVER, NC - Action Express Racing (AXR) will take to Road Atlanta for the Grand Prix of Atlanta this Saturday (live on SPEED, 4:30 PM ET) with a new driver line up. However, the roster is one that will feature all familiar faces as the team looks to move both Corvette Daytona Prototype (DP) entries up the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series championship order.

After starting the first three races of the season in competing Action Express Racing Corvette DP machines, brothers Burt and Brian Frisselle will now team up to share the driving duties in the No. 9 Action Express Racing Corvette DP. The new line up will now see Christian Fittipaldi and Joao Barbosa teaming to co-drive in the No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette DP.

“Our team has worked very hard, and we’ve fought back from some setbacks to have both cars finish every race so far this year,” said team manager Gary Nelson. “So we are fortunate to have a lot of data and also feedback from the drivers from the opening three races. Whether it is working on the car or making the most out of the team that is working on it, you are always looking to improve what you are doing, and this change is a result of taking all that information and looking to put this team in an even better position to win.”

The No. 5 Corvette DP currently sits seventh in the championship standings after three rounds; with the No. 9 Action Express Corvette DP 10th in the team championship order.

"Joao and I tested at NOLA the week before the race at Barber Motorsports Park,” said Burt Frisselle. “During that test we learned that what Joao and I like in the feel of the car was further apart than I expected. I know what Brian is looking for as far as 'feel' and I believe this pairing will give all the Action Express Racing drivers in both Corvette DP cars the best chance for success."

“I am really excited that the team is making this move now because both cars have been knocking on the door in each event but unfortunately the results haven't shown it,” said Barbosa. “After the first few races this year, the team was able to analyze all the data and came to the conclusion that a change would be better for the overall results of the team in the long run. Personally, it will be a little strange to drive the 5 car as I had good success with the 9 car, but I'm looking forward to this new challenge. It was great to drive with Burt and I'm sure will be the same with Christian. We all get along together great so it will be an easy transition!”

Action Express Racing has previous experience with updating the driver line up, famously making a change ahead of a dramatic 1-2 team finish in the Chevrolet Grand Prix in Detroit last year.

“We certainly set the bar high for ourselves last year,” said team owner Bob Johnson of the Detroit result. “The team worked very hard in the off-season to be even stronger in 2013. So far this year, we’ve had strong team performances, but unfortunately that effort has not yet yielded the dividends we are targeting. We have a lot of talent on this team and it is essential to find the best match up for each position. We feel that these will be great matches and will produce great results for Action Express Racing. It is two cars, but one team and this is another example of that ethos.”

Action Express Racing will be ready to go this weekend as GRAND-AM visits Road Atlanta for the Grand Prix of Atlanta.

Action Express Racing