Road Atlanta: Newman Wachs Racing preview

NEWMAN WACHS RACING HEADS TO ROAD ATLANTA WITH SIGHTS SET ON CHAMPIONSHIP

Mundelein, IL (September 23, 2009) - Newman Wachs Racing heads to Braselton, GA this week for the 12th Annual Petit Le Mans Powered by Mazda. This will be round 11 of 12 races of the 2009 Atlantic Championship Series and a crucial event for the NWR drivers. John Edwards and Jonathan Summerton currently sit 2nd and 3rd in Championship standings, respectively, and have closed in on points leader Simona De Silvestro. With just two races remaining, both NWR drivers will be looking to put their Swift 016s in victory lane as we close out the chase for the 2009 Championship.

With the busiest part of the schedule complete that included six races in 44 days over the summer months, a 26-day break since round 10 at Mosport felt like an eternity to the NWR drivers. With all of their testing miles for the year already used, all they could do in the interim was be patient and prepare for the final races mentally and physically. Training is a very important part of both drivers' daily routines, and the level of fitness it takes to be a top driver in any open-wheel series can often be the difference between winning and losing.

For Edwards, from Cincinnati, training means lifting weights four days a week; five days of running including sprints at an 11% incline and short and long stints outdoors. He averages 15 miles a week which is the equivalent of over two marathons each month!

Summerton also makes fitness a priority between races. Having the benefit of living in a warm-weather climate like Florida year-round, he has more entertaining training options than land-locked residents. In addition to his standard routine, Summerton often incorporates jet-skiing, basketball, football and tennis into his regimen.

After finishing 1-2 at Mosport last month, both Edwards and Summerton are ready to race at Road Atlanta. Summerton earned his first Atlantic pole position there last year, and Edwards won the Star Mazda race. With their past successes, and the recent momentum, both NWR drivers are looking strong.

NWR will be hosting sponsor group Entergy at Road Atlanta along with several other significant companies in the nuclear power industry. With the push for clean energy at the forefront of today's issues, the promotion of nuclear energy as a source of carbon-free electricity is as important as ever. Top executives will be hosted by the NWR team on Friday to explore the use of motorsports as a tool to aid in this mission.

John Edwards, #36 MAZDASPEED/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI/ Newman Wachs Racing:

"I can't wait to get back to racing again! We've had a couple weekends off after being nonstop for almost two months, and I'm excited to get back in the car. Road Atlanta is a great track, very fast and similar to Mosport or Mid-Ohio, both tracks where Newman Wachs Racing has been quick. I had a win there last year in Star Mazda, so I'm hoping we can continue the momentum!"

Jonathan Summerton, #34 Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI/ Newman Wachs Racing:

"I am very excited to get back in the car after the three weeks off. I know that the team and I are looking forward to winning again and winning this Championship is our one and only focus."

-credit: nwr