A1GP news
Summerton hopes to race in Mexico
05 March 2007Although Jonathan Summerton broke a bone in his left arm in Durban, the A1 Team USA driver expects to race in Mexico. The accident was the end to what had been the 18-year-old's first racing weekend in A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.
Prior to the Durban event Summerton, from Florida, had only done the Rookie sessions in Zandvoort and Eastern Creek. However, his lack of experience did not stop him qualifying 12th for the Sprint race. Unfortunately a transmission problem forced his retirement so he had to start the Feature Race from 20th on the grid.
The lowly grid position did not deter the youngster who pushed his 'We the People' car up the field and by the time of his pit stop was lying 12th. The team changed the four tyres in a fastest time of 33 seconds, with Brazil being the only other team to equal this. After this his progress up the field was rapid and he was soon in seventh, but sadly then going into the chicane the back end of the car went loose after hitting some tyre beads, causing him to hit the wall very hard. There was major damage to the car, his race was done and he spent an evening in hospital.
However, this has not deterred the young American, who is upbeat about his Durban outing and is looking forward to getting back in the cockpit.
"I am really sorry to have let the team down," he said.
"The car was really great and the team have done a fantastic job in giving me such a great set up. Their pit stop was awesome.
"I have learnt a lot this weekend and hopefully can be back in the car for Mexico and bring our team and the USA a podium," he added.
The West Surrey Racing Team who run the car were also very impressed with his performance and team boss, Dick Bennetts, said about Jonathan's weekend: "Jonathan performed exceptionally well for his first race weekend. He definitely impressed everyone watching. To go from the back of the field to P7 on the Durban street track is unbelievable. All the team are proud of him. He has progressed strongly all weekend improving with each session and we felt he was capable of being in the top 5. It was really unfortunate at the chicane. Luckily he has no serious damage but the car will have to be replaced for Mexico. Jonathan's pit stop was one of the fastest we have done to date."
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