SBRS: Brian Frisselle California Speedway race notes

Skip Barber Race Series
#21 Brian Frisselle
Formula Dodge Western Series Championship
California Speedway, California
January 9- January 12, 2003

Group 2 Practice 1 & 2

Practice Notes: The race weekend at California Speedway began with two practice sessions on Friday. Young Brian Frisselle was quite impressive in session one, executing the third quickest lap time of 1:55.506. Burt Frisselle, a 2003 Barber Dodge Pro Series driver and older brother to Brian, and National Series driver Jason Richardson were the only two racers to put in faster times than the rookie from Hawaii.

Group 2 Qualifying
Position Qualified: 2nd
Fastest Lap Time: 1:54.000

Qualifying Notes: Frisselle started strong in Saturday's qualifying session, driving with confidence and accuracy. The Hawaii native claimed an outside pole position, alongside track veteran John Knudsen. Young Frisselle stated, "I would have loved to have claimed the pole today, but I am definitely happy with my P2 finish. I look forward to what promises to be a very exciting and challenging race tomorrow!"

Group 2 Race 1
Position Started: 2nd
Position Finished: 2nd
Fastest Lap Time: 1:53.661

Race Notes: Young Frisselle came out strong in Saturday afternoon's race, passing Knudsen to claim P1 in the second lap of the race. The impressive rookie led twelve of the fifteen laps, maintaining his lead despite several passing battles with veteran driver John Knudsen. Although Frisselle was ultimately overcome by Knudsen on the final lap, he drove an exceptional race, posing quite a challenge to Knudsen and claiming a respectable second place finish. "I am definitely disappointed that I was unable to claim a victory today. However, I feel that I drove a strong race and I had a great time battling with Knudsen. A second place finish is certainly nothing to complain about!"

Group 2 Race 2
Position Started: 2nd
Position Finished: 1st
Fastest Lap Time: 1:53.483

Race Notes: Frisselle began Sunday's race with clear determination. After an impressive start, young Brian claimed the lead in the second lap. Frisselle and Knudsen pulled away from the field early on, and Frisselle was able to maintain P1 for the remainder of the race. The young rookie from Hawaii drove a clean, impressive race and was thrilled to take the checkered flag. "I had a great race today; I just felt really confident in my driving and I pushed it to the limit. I am very excited to claim a victory this weekend."

Additional Notes: A memorial race was held on Saturday afternoon, providing the regional drivers with the chance to race with 2003 Barber Dodge Pro Series drivers Burt Frisselle and Robbie Montinola, and National Series driver Jason Richardson. Both of the Frisselle brothers were thrilled to have the opportunity to race together. The elder Frisselle nearly took the checkered flag, finishing less than 1/100 of a second behind Knudsen. Young Brian claimed P5, a strong finish considering his required pit stop after being hit by a fellow competitor. Brian stated, "I was disappointed that I did not have the chance to really battle with Burt, as I got caught in some traffic on the second lap. However, I had a great time out there and was excited simply to be in a race with my brother."

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