Burt Frisselle: Rev'd Up for Rolex 24h Daytona 16.01.2009: After running a part-time schedule with the squad in 2007, Burt Frisselle has rejoined AIM Autosport full-time for the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season to co-drive with Mark Wilkins.

After running a part-time schedule with the squad in 2007, Burt Frisselle has rejoined AIM Autosport full-time for the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season to co-drive with Mark Wilkins.

The Toronto-based team has rapidly moved from rookie runners to top team as witnessed by two impressive race wins in 2008 as well as several outstanding qualifying results.

Burt Frisselle took some time after the recent test to share some of his impressions of the team, his co-drivers, and his crew as he re-joined the squad to kick off the 2009 Rolex Sports Car Series season.

Burt:

Being back with the AIM Autosport team is awesome. Not only are they one of the best teams in terms of performance in the paddock, but all of their team members are friends of mine and here's my take on the group.

Where before, the team was just trying to learn about endurance racing and establish itself in Rolex Series racing, now the team is focused purely on winning. And being behind the wheel of this car is a pretty good example of it. I know it's the same car (chassis #001-Riley) as when I was with the team before, but it feels like a completely different machine. They've done so much as far as the upgrades and of course now having Ford power behind you is just great. Our expectations are pretty high for the season.

As far as the drivers...

Mark Wilkins is one of my closest friends both in and out of the racing world. We talk almost daily of our plans for 2009 and the championship. We have a blast working with each other and I could not have a better teammate. We get to hang out away from the track pretty often, and are already planning our next snowmobile trip. I truly can say I have never had more fun with a co-driver then Mark.

Dave Empringham - If there is one driver in the paddock I could have join me every year for the 24 hour (Rolex 24 At Daytona), it would be Dave. He brings the best attitude you could ask for. He is fast, will never crash, and is fun to work with. In 2007, he really showed me how you approach this race and together we achieved my highest finish of fifth place. Dave's the man and I'm really glad he's part of this team again this year.

Alex Figge - Dude, this guys hilarious! I think his personality at times overshadows his professionalism and might cause people to under rate him as a driver. That's fine by me--we are lucky to have him in our line up and he will be an asset to our team. Not to mention the fact that he will keep us entertained!

John Farano - This isn't John's first (Rolex) 24, but it is his first in a Daytona Prototype car. Talk about baptism by fire but John is doing an excellent job coming into a high-pressure situation and not allowing it to overwhelm him. Going to be fun watching John and Alex the rest of the season in the No. 51 Ford Riley.

And what about the team?

Ian Willis - Ian is the leader of the team. His passion is what drives the whole team. He wants to win as much as anyone I've meet in racing, but what makes Ian unique is he loves the process and can enjoy what's going on even in the most competitive stressful conditions. I've never had more fun than racing with AIM and it is because of Ian.

Jim Malicki - He always wants to dominate!!! Love it. He is a blast to work with because he always expects more of you. The minute a session is over he is telling us to do our homework. He will never be happy with anything but first. At the same time while your doing your notes he will distract you by standing up in the middle of the office to change clothes. No big except that Jim, well, goes commando. Only at AIM Autosport! He fits the mold perfectly - highly competitive and professional, but also knows how to have fun.

Jeff Pomfret - The crew chief. He is quiet and goes about his business like a workhorse. He and Trevor were putting in 16+ hour days at the shop leading up to the test. Awesome guy fun to work with, amazing work ethic.

Dan Hingley - Dan's the man. Good friend, good mechanic ... and best driver change guy I ever worked with! Gets ‘personal' with Mark and I but that's ok because he can doing a change in 20 seconds or less. Funny as heck too.

Trevor Daley - All passion. Loves to learn everything. He is my age, so really has fun with Mark and I. Occasionally has questionable taste with regard to some of his acquaintances (Stalker? What Stalker?!) and his extra curricular activities. What else do you say about a guy with a Hummer H1 with a train horn that drives around scaring the ‘heck' out of people. He is close with both Mark and I and will be going on the sled trip. Love his passion!!

Don Sobering - The world is always coming to an end for Don. He is about logistics, so to make his life harder I've been making a list of things I want done (a la Max Angelelli), like things in the transporter, how I want my laundry done, things I want for the car, etc. Plus he hates cold miserable weather and he's a Canadian... hilarious!!

Kyle - Kyle drives the hauler. Without him, we just show up and look pretty, so we have to be nice. One of the strangest people I've ever met though.

Jason, Matt - both great guys, fun to work with and we are lucky to have them in support of the No. 61 for the 24 hour!

Jeff Braun - Wow, this guy is smart. Super easy to work with!!!!! Should be a blast having him around the rest of the year working with the No. 51.

Chris ... the media guy. We like to call him ... nah, you can figure that out for yourself. Missed him in Florida for the tests but Ian had him busy back in Toronto. Chris fits the AIM squad as nothing they do is conventional. He has more crazy stories than most of the paddock combined - and if you stand still long enough, he'll tell you one. By the way, do not go into Las Vegas bars with this man.

So that's a quick run down on the guys I'll be spending 24 Hours, and more, with this season. It's so impressive to me how this team has improved in nearly every category since I last ran with them.

See you at The 24!!  by Burt Frisselle -  also photo