Another 1-2 Start For NWR

Lexington, August 7, 2009: It was a picture-perfect day for Newman Wachs Racing at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course as qualification for round eight of the Atlantic Championship took place this afternoon. NWR drivers Jonathan Summerton and John Edwards ended up on top of the charts in a show-stopping performance down to the wire with Summerton taking pole and Edwards 2nd, just 0.18 seconds behind his teammate.

The pair traded the top spot numerous times, but ultimately it was Summerton’s lap record performance that earned him his third pole position this year. Edwards also put in a stunning performance today, and will start on the front row for the 4th time this year. The teammates sit 2nd (Edwards) and 3rd (Summerton) in overall standings so it is important for both to have a strong finish in tomorrow’s race. The pair claimed NWR’s first ever 1-2 finish just two weeks ago at the Autobahn Country Club and hope to do it again tomorrow.

Jonathan Summerton, #34 Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI/ Newman Wachs Racing: (P1; Fastest Lap 1.12.970)

“First of all, I have to thank the team for everything. They have put in a lot of time and hard work over the past two days and I’m glad to give them the result. We also have two birthdays amongst my guys (engineer, Don Halliday and crew member David Marquez) and it’s a great day to have a 1-2 result on their birthdays. I’ve also got to thank Eddie Wachs for giving me this opportunity. On my fast lap, I was perfectly calm. I knew it was a good lap as I came across our timing beacon, and fortunately it held. I was very happy with the car and I think we have a good chance to win tomorrow.”

John Edwards, #36 MAZDASPEED/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI/ Newman Wachs Racing: (P2; Fastest Lap 1.13.150)

“Once again, it was a great day at NWR, locking out the front row. We obviously would have liked pole, but we’re ahead of Simona, and that is most important. Right now we’re focused on the Championship. We’d like to win but we’re shooting to stay ahead of her and with five races left, nothing is decided yet. I have to be smart in the race tomorrow; we’re not going to settle for anything, but the most important thing is to keep in front of Simona.”