Who is America’s Youngest Racing “Diva?”
In answer to the question posed, I haven’t a clue, but it’s a sure bet 15 year old Jessica Brunelli is close.
Very close.
Saturday evening she competed in the USAC California Ford Focus Pavement Midget Car Series event at the Havasu 95 Speedway in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Qualifying fourth she was eligible for the Trophy Dash where she placed third. In the nights 30 lap Feature, won by 18 year old Ian Miille, Brunelli finished eighth in the season opening event for the 20 race pavement series.
The young lady seems to be no flash in the pan. In Dec. last year she tested in a USAC Focus Midget at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, Ca
This was her first time on the Dirt. Jessica tested with Midget and Sprint Car National and World Champion Cory Kruseman in preperation for the 2008 season. Jessica will be driving on Corys Team racing the Jr. Focus Midget at Ventura. Jessica also tested in a USAC Sprint car.
2007 was a banner year for Brunelli. Jessica competed at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows Ca. Finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 3 races she competed in earning her “Rookie of the Year” for the 2007 Skip Barber Race Series.
In mid-year she tested a Formula BMW machine at Michigan and Sept. had Jessica testing a NASCAR Grand American Modified at Altamont Motorsports Park in Livermore, Ca. The test was followed the next month with her first 600hp Open Modified race at Altamont Motorsports Park. She qualified 7th and finished 5th against an experienced field of 12 modifieds in the 50 lap Grand American Modified event.
Does this impressive résumé label Ms. Brunelli as America’s youngest racing “Diva?” Is she headed the way of Tony Stewart and J.J. Yeley as USAC Triple Crown winners?
Obviously that remains to be seen, and like all drivers she needs sponsors to get that far. It’s also plain to see she has an excellent start towards that goal.
Got to love the future of the sport! She’ll be a nice addition to the big leagues when she’s old enough. She looks 20 if you ask me, check her ID!
If I were to guess Ron I’d say she shades toward the mid-twenties. But I’m sure that’s a function of the photog that took the pic among other things.
One sure thing, it would be good to be male teenager in her universe about now.
BTW, nice to see you comment here Ron, don’t make yourself a stranger.
Marc,
Good on you to do the piece on Jessica, she is a great talent we all are rooting for.
As for the youngest Diva, I just followed a link I was unaware of to your site linked to my daughters. Search “Fenaroli” on yours or just check out http://www.fast33.com.
Natalie just sealed the deal for another championship a couple weeks ago.
We go to the SCUSA Super Nats in a week.
No need to post this, just an FYI.
Cheers
Matt