Pair Of Top- Fives For NWR At Lime Rock

Lakeville, July 18, 2009: Newman Wachs Racing drivers John Edwards and Jonathan Summerton had a lot of work to do today for round five of the Atlantic Championship Series at Lime Rock Park, as they started 5th and 6th, respectively for today’s race. With some smart moves, both were able to make the best of their less-than-desirable starting positions. Edwards returned to the podium with a 2nd place finish and the fastest race lap, and Summerton improved to 4th.

After a wet qualifying session yesterday, Edwards was not happy with his grid position. The 18-year old from Cincinnati, OH was hoping for a rain race today, which would allow for more passing opportunities on a course that offers very few. His wish was not granted, however, but he made his way back onto the podium once again and earns valuable points in the Championship chase. Edwards earned a bonus point for most positions improved during the race, and each and every point is valuable. He is now tied for 2nd in overall standings with teammate Summerton, but both trail points leader Simona De Silvestro by 17.

John Edwards #36 MAZDASPEED/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ Newman Wachs Racing: (Finished P2; Fastest Lap 50.928 seconds- P1):

“That was probably the hardest I’ve ever had to drive for 2nd place. We had the fastest car on the track today. I had to reel in Garcia from about five seconds back, but I caught up and was able to make the passes I needed. Had we qualified better, I think we would have had something for Simona (P1) but just being consistent and making smart choices put us back on the podium. After such a hard-fought result, I’m really looking forward to the team’s home race at Autobahn next weekend and continuing this momentum.”

For Summerton, today’s race marked a return to NWR for the first time since the 2008 Atlantic Championship season finale at Road Atlanta last fall. The #34 car also struggled to find speed in qualifying and Summerton had his lowest starting position of the season. The native of Kissimmee, FL had a great start and also took advantage of the minimal passing opportunities, narrowly missing making it a podium finish for both NWR drivers. He drove a smart race and still sits 2nd in Championship standings.

Jonathan Summerton #34 Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ Newman Wachs Racing: (Finished P4; Fastest Lap 51.182 seconds- P5):

“Well, we’re headed in the right direction and that’s the biggest thing. We knew the race today would be a challenge, starting as far back as we did. I got by Markus at the start and passed Vervisch later on when he made a mistake and I took advantage of it. It is game on from here on out. The season is only halfway done and there is still a lot of racing ahead of us. The Championship is still within our reach and we’re going after it.”