Jessica Brunelli, 17, has taken every opportunity she’s had to race since she was 7 years-old. From quads to modifieds, Brunelli has worked her way up the racing ladder.
Most recently, Brunelli raced in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified division at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. She finished third in the 2009 points standings with 10 top fives and 13 top 10s. She also started two NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model events at All American Speedway, scoring one top-10 finish.
Before her season in modifieds, Brunelli tested and raced in several types of cars, including karts, USAC Ford Focus Midgets on dirt and asphalt, USAC Sprint cars, Formula BMW cars and a Corvette Z06 sports car.
Brunelli has also been involved in several driver development programs, including the Lyn St. James Women in the Winner’s Circle Academy – she was a recipient of a Project Podium Grant Scholarship in 2009, Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle and Finishline Racing School.
Brunelli, from Hayward, Calif., has relocated to North Carolina for the 2010 season and is completing her high school education (she’s currently a junior) through online college prep independent study, which allows her the flexibility she needs to race without sacrificing a quality education.
When she’s not racing or studying, Brunelli enjoys using her free time for community service, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or helping youth groups, wakeboarding, skiing, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Career Highlights
• Finished third in the NASCAR Whelen All‐American Series Modified division standings at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., with 10 top fives and 13 top 10s; won two trophy dash races and earned rookie of the year honors.
• Became the first driver under the age of 16 to race in the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series in 2008; finished sixth in the California Ford Focus Series running a partial season.
• Tested a variety of cars in 2007, including Ford Focus Midgets, Formula BMW, Sprint Cars and a V8 Open Modified.
• In 2007, became the youngest driver to compete in the Skip Barber Regional Championship Series; earned rookie of the year honors.
• Began racing karts in 2003; competed at the local, regional and national levels from 2003 ‐ 2006. Won two regional championships in 2006.