Summerton Shines In Hometown Effort

Last month, Jonathan Summerton signed with RLR/Andersen Racing, knowing he would race in the doubleheader at St. Petersburg.

After posting a second and fourth-place finish in the two races on the tricky street circuit, the combination hopes to continue that success for the rest of the season.

"It was awesome, tons of fun," said the 20-year-old Floridian. "We went from 16th to fourth after finishing second on Saturday. I don't think you could have asked for much more. My goal (Sunday) was a top-five, and we did it. We had a car that I know could have won the race. It's just a shame we couldn't get clear air to run the lap times (in qualifying Saturday), because I know we had the fastest car out there for sure."

Summerton had never competed on St. Petersburg's street course before, despite living an hour away in Kissimmee, Fla. Still, he gave the home state fans something to cheer about when he finished second in his Firestone Indy Lights debut.

"It was just great following Junior (Strous) through the field," Summerton said. "He did a great job. We were able to keep up with him. We had a car that was very good. And really happy with everything that went on. Just a consistent car throughout the race, and was able to keep pressure on Junior, but he didn't make any mistakes, so good job to him."

Summerton lies second in the point standings, 28 markers behind Strous as the series heads to the streets of Long Beach April 19. Summerton, who finished fourth in his only start at Long Beach in Atlantics hopes to build on the momentum at the track.

"Allied Interior Products and RLR/Andersen Racing have done a good job putting the car together," he said. "I really thank them this weekend. We started off rough and ended on a high."

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