Jessica Brunelli Wins Trophy Dash in NASCAR Grand American Modified Debut
HAYWARD, CALIF. (April 3, 2009) – Jessica Brunelli may be a newcomer to the NASCAR Grand American Modified ranks, but she certainly didn’t look like a rookie in her recently completed first-ever event. The 16 year-old Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle development driver made her way to victory lane on March 28th at All American Speedway, capturing the win in her inaugural Grand American Modified Trophy Dash race.
Brunelli, having made her oval racing debut last year via USAC Ford Focus Midget racing as a member of the RSWC program, entered the opening round of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at All American Speedway, her first NASCAR Grand American Modified race, poised to make her mark.
The former Skip Barber Western Regional Rookie of the Year and two-time IKF regional karting champion did just that, immediately getting up to speed on the demanding 3/10 mile track. After setting some good times in practice, Brunelli made her presence felt in her Heat race. The Hayward, Calif., teenager challenged for the win from start-to-finish, eventually crossing the stripe in second place, earning a place in the Trophy Dash race.
With the top-two drivers from each Heat race advancing to the Trophy Dash, the stage was set for a highly competitive race. Brunelli, in the No. 3 K&N Filters/Tico Construction/Fremont Bank/Finishmaster Paint Company/Nascimento Motorsports/Brunelli Racing NASCAR Grand American Modified started in second position, however by the exit of turn two she was in the lead. Running fast consistent laps from that point forward, Brunelli held off all challengers, winning her first-ever Modified Trophy Dash race. With the victory, it is believed the 16 year-old Brunelli becomes the youngest Trophy Dash winner in series history.
“It has been great working with Jessica,” stated Crew Chief Mike Nascimento. “She is an extremely talented driver and has been very fast from the first time she hoped in this car. I knew she would be battling for wins this year. We are very excited it came in her very first race.”
“Jessica Brunelli is the real deal. She has shown she is fast in every thing she has raced, but more importantly … she is a racer when they wave that green flag,” stated development coach Ron Sutton.
Brunelli resumes her NASCAR Grand American Modified campaign on April 11, with Round Two of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at All American Speedway.
