SunTrust Racing has announced the signing of Brian Frisselle for the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Series season.

Frisselle, who secured two wins during the 2008 campaign as part of the AIM Autosport team, will join forces with Max Angelelli at the wheel of the #10 Wayne Taylor Racing-run car and will take the place of Michael Valiante, who partnered Angelelli throughout 2008.

“Brian is a winner, plain and simple,” team boss Wayne Taylor said. “With SunTrust Racing being all about winning championships, that makes Brian the perfect choice to join Max as co-driver in 2009.”

Angelelli, one of the most successful drivers in Rolex Series history, said he was pleased to see the 24-year-old sign on the dotted line for the new campaign.

“Brian is a young guy but he's been racing Grand-Am for several years, now, and he is definitely the kind of driver who can help us win a championship,” he said. “Brian showed last year that he is a tough competitor and he is capable of winning races and qualifying on the pole.

“Wayne and I have always been interested in him and I am very happy that we have been able to make him a part of our team. We've known him and his family for a long time and I think he is going to be a natural fit for SunTrust and for this team.”

Frisselle completed his second full season in the Rolex Series in 2008, having first debuted back in 2005 alongside brother Burt as the pair took part in selected events.

Like Angelelli, he said he was hopeful that the new partnership would soon establish themselves as contenders for the 2009 title.

“I am unbelievably fired up about joining Max and Wayne and coming to the SunTrust team,” he said. “SunTrust has made its mark as a team of excellence since it joined the series back in 2004. They've pretty much been a contender for the championship every year they've competed. To be part of an organisation like that, and to drive alongside Max Angelelli as his teammate, having Wayne Taylor as a team owner, and SunTrust as a sponsor, that's an opportunity of a lifetime.

“Wayne has always been a special mentor to me. Back when I was just getting started and there were times I was struggling, Wayne would come over and tell me to keep the faith and have confidence in myself. I'm looking forward to my role qualifying the SunTrust car and driving the first part of the races and handing the car over to Max for a strong finish. He's arguably the best finisher in all of Grand-Am, so if I just keep doing my job, we'll hopefully be contending for another championship.

“No matter what, it's a great opportunity, and I know it's going to be a lot of fun.”