Jonathan Summerton back, but no USA rookie

Jonathan Summerton

Jonathan Summerton will again race for A1 Team USA at this weekend’s meeting at Eastern Creek in Australia – but will not have the advantage of a rookie driver.

The 19-year-old had his best meeting of the season last time out in Taupo, finishing in seventh in the Sprint race. He also finished 8th on the track in the Feature race, but was later docked 70 seconds because of a mandatory pit stop violation.

Summerton shot to fame in the corresponding Sydney meeting last season, topping the times in the rookie practice session.

‘We're gelling as a team,’ Summerton said. ‘We've been progressively more competitive in each round. Our qualifying at Taupo was a sure sign that we found the set-up more quickly and that's what we needed to do. We just need to make the car a little better and we can challenge for a podium at Eastern Creek.

‘It was an amazing feeling to finish on top of the timing sheets last year and I feel like I've got some unfinished business there. I've got an added bit of confidence in knowing it's a track I can go fast on and I've become much more experienced in the last year in the car.’

However, due to scheduling conflicts the teams’ previous rookie driver, Charlie Kimball, will be unavailable for selection in Australia, or the rest of the season.

‘It has been a pleasure to be a part of such a great team and organization,’ Kimball said. ‘I wish Jonathan and all at A1 Team USA the best for this weekend as well as the rest of the season. I am sure they are on an upward swing and will be in contention for top-fives and podiums very soon. Driving the 'We the People' car has been an incredible experience.’