Long Beach: Jonathan Summerton race notes

Coming into Long Beach 2nd in the Championship Jonathan Summerton had a great weekend closing onthe leader toonly 3 points away from the Championship, after a sturdy drive to take him into 4th just missing the podium.

Jonathan started the weekend practice in 2nd place, butas Jonathan said, "We struggled to correct an oversteer problem". In qualifying the new street course qualifyingsystem has two groups, each having 20 minutes and both groups had yellows. In Jonathan's qualifying he didn't have an opportunity to put new tires on for fear of losing a couple of laps warming the tires up so he stayed on the old tires, but still putting a very credible 3rd place qualifying in his group.

At the race start Jonathan was pressured for 5th but managed to hold off the challenges and did a steady drive but was unable to put pressure on Wilson who was in 4th. Unfortunately for Wilson he had problems and pulled off with less than 7 laps to go placing Jonathan in 4th. At the checkered Jonathan was way ahead of 5th place.

Later Jonathan was asked about his race and he commented,

"We had a car that was very consistent. I wouldn't say we had the quickest car, but we were consistent. I think consistency should win the championship, so hopefully that stays true. I'm happy with fourth place, but I would have liked to have been on the podium. We struggled with the car and although we are improving we are still just short of a great car. I know Mikeis a good engineer and he is working hard along with the team to give me a good car. I would like to thank Andersen/Rahal Racing, AlliedBuilding products, Mother's, Motul, and Mockett Fine Furniturefor supporting my racing.

Going into my first oval race at Kansasjust 3 points off the championship is a dream when less than a month ago I didn't have a ride. This will be really exciting for me and I hope we can perform well on the ovals."

-credit: jsPR