Edwards Sweeps Autobahn With Victory In Race 2

Joliet, IL (July 26, 2009) – Newman Wachs Racing driver John Edwards captured his second victory this weekend at the Harrah’s Autobahn Grand Prix Presented by Mazda. He started on pole, led every lap, and had fastest race lap in today’s Atlantic Championship race as he pulled out over 12 seconds to 2nd place. It was looking to be a repeat 1-2 finish for NWR, as Jonathan Summerton was running comfortably in 2nd for most of the race. Unfortunately it was a heartbreaking end to Summerton’s day when, on lap 17, an alternator failure left his Swift 016 without power.

The standing start went off without a hitch for both NWR drivers and both Edwards and Summerton were quick out of the box. Edwards pulled out a good lead early on- driving his own race, but Summerton had his mirrors full of Simona De Silvestro for the first 12 laps. The positions at the front did not change for the duration of the 22 lap event until Summerton retired to the pits. It was a bittersweet finish for NWR, but celebration ensued nevertheless, as Edwards gained valuable points on Championship leader De Silvestro. Summerton remains 3rd in overall standings and is very much still in the fight. The three-way Championship battle will pick-up again in two weeks when the Atlantic Championship Series visits Mid-Ohio, a track that is conducive to passing.

John Edwards, #36 MAZDASPEED/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI/ Newman Wachs Racing: (P1; Fastest Lap 2.05.542)

“It has been an amazing weekend. We have been quickest in every session of the event, which is what we needed to do. During the race today, we were very fast straight away, and I knew I had a good lead. My engineer kept telling me that my pace was good, and to just hit my marks, and that’s what I did. I was kind of cruising there at the end but the car was so hooked up it was almost easy. The car was a dream to drive. I have to thank the team a lot. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Jonathan Summerton, #34 Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI/ Newman Wachs Racing: (P11; Fastest Lap 2.06.743)

“It’s obviously disappointing. We were looking to have another 1-2 very comfortably. I was pulling out a gap over Simona and suddenly the car just lost drive. I limped into the pits to see if anything could be done – to see if we could go back out, but that was it. It’s tough. We’re in the midst of a very close battle for the Championship and every race is so important. But, it was just one of those things that happen, it’s no fault of the team’s and I know that we will come back from this strong at Mid-Ohio.”