Long Beach: Jonathan Summerton race report

Summerton Top Rookie in Long Beach Jonathan Summerton, 19 year old, from Orlando, Florida, just signed with Newman Wachs Atlantic team prior to the Long Beach GP, and although he missed out on the many days winter testing was up to speed in just ...

Summerton Top Rookie in Long Beach

Jonathan Summerton, 19 year old, from Orlando, Florida, just signed with Newman Wachs Atlantic team prior to the Long Beach GP, and although he missed out on the many days winter testing was up to speed in just his first practice.

"We worked on several configurations to help both our teams drivers, finishing with a pretty good set up," said Jonathan.

Going into qualifying 1 it worked as Jonathan had 3rd fastest time. On the Saturday practice it was difficult due to everyone trying to find track time but again Jonathan put in several top sectors, finishing 4th. In qualifying 2 he struggled with the car and at the checkered was 6th fastest. On returning to the pits a couple of adjustments were discovered which could have allowed him to go faster.

On Sunday Jonathan had a great start in the race holding his grid position, and gained a place due to another driver losing his front wing. Despite several attemps and being all over the car in front he was unable to pass. On lap 24 the leader made a mistake causing him to slow and immediately all the top 5 cars moved up a place putting Jonathan in 4th, again pushing for a podium. Despite several more attempts to pass, it didn't happen. At the checkered Jonathan finished a very credible 4th place and TOP ROOKIE. Afterwards Jonathan said." I am very pleased with my result the team did an excellent job in getting me up to speed and we know that we are in the hunt for the championship.