Woodbridge, Ontario - November 03, 2008: AIM Autosport announced today that Mark Wilkins is back at the wheel of the No. 61 Ford Riley and for the 2009 season he will be joined by former team mate Burt Frisselle. The pair last raced together in 2007 as Burt worked with the team through its first full season in the Rolex Sports Car Series. The twenty-seven year old Frisselle first raced in the series in 2004.
Burt has rejoined AIM Autosport with a strong desire to pick up where the team left off this season.
”I’m extremely happy to be back with AIM and partnered with Mark in the No. 61,” Burt commented. “The team had some great success this year and I am looking forward to getting back in the car. The Ford Racing program has proven to be a real winner and I hope to take advantage of that by getting victories along with Mark and fighting for the championship in ‘09.”
Mark Wilkins expressed his excitement at having Burt back in the car.
“We spent a lot of time with Burt in 2007 developing the team and developing the car. There are synergies in place already and it will be an easy transition bringing him back into the team. I’m sure we’ll get into a rythym very quickly.” Mark continued, “Burt has a lot of experience in this series and has spent time with different chassis/engine combinations and the information and experince he brings can only help the team next year.”
Burt spent the 2008 season racing the No. 47 Dallara recording seven top ten finishes. He previously earned five top tens over eigfht races with AIM in 2007. He joins AIM replacing his younger brother Brian who earned one pole and two victories in the No. 61 Ford Riley this season.
As the team prepares for the November test at Daytona, the mood in the shop is positive and the focus is very much on the championship next year. They have just returned from testing AIM’s second car, the No. 11 Ford Riley.
”We are excited to have Burt back with us for 2009” offered team principal Ian Willis. “He brings a great deal of experience in the Daytona Prototypes and as Mark mentioned, a solid history and synergy with the team. We can pick up where we left off and not have to worry about the usual adjustments that go with bringing a new member to the team.” He continued, “The entire AIM Autosport organization is confident that we can get the job done in ‘09 and we welcome Burt back to be a part of the program.
Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle will be at Daytona International Speedway for two days starting November 11 testing the No. 61 Ford Riley on the new Pirelli tires developed for 2009. While the No. 61 will test in its familiar black and gold livery, title sponsorship is available for the season or individual events. AIM is currently in discussions with guest drivers to join Mark and Burt for the Rolex 24 at Daytona which starts the 2009 season on January 23.
AIM Autosport Facts: Established in 1995, AIM Autosport has a mandate to identify, train and manage emerging motorsport talent. AIM has provided many young drivers with a solid foundation on which to build a career in professional racing. The success of the AIM driver development programs has been achieved through the dedication of our employees and the ongoing support of our commercial and technical partners. Away from the track, AIM Autosport serves the needs of the racing community with a purpose-built preparation shop situated in the Toronto suburb of Woodbridge, Ontario. AIM fields the No. 61 Ford-Riley Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand Am series with drivers Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle. The team also competes in the Star Madza Championship presented by Goodyear. AIM won the 2008 Championship with driver John Edwards.
Photo credit: Bob Chapman (Mark Wilkins and Burt Frisselle at Miller 2007; Burt at Miller 2007)
For information and hi-res photos please contact: Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications // media@aimautosport.com
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