A quick conversation with Jonathan Summerton - June 2009

What does the Summerton family tradition mean to you?

Well, really you know I am kind of the start of the Summerton tradition in the racing world. Both my parents and grandparents were hard working business owners and well I went into the racing industry. So very exciting either way.

Who taught you to drive and how old were you?

Well Dad taught me how to drive my first manual car but as far as racing well no one really had a couple coaches in FBMW USA but that was about all the coaching I had at age 14.

How old were you when you knew you were going to drive for a living?

I was probably about 17 when I did F3 Euroseries and well then I decided that I wanted to do this for a living and really go for it.

Are your sisters into racing too?
No not really, one is into horses and well the other is an Optometrist in Naples, Fl

Who were your heroes when you were a kid?

I would have to say probably Batman really!

Do you remember your first competitive race?

Yeah it was a local Go Kart race in Ocala and well I was nervous but I had a lot of fun.

Tell us about your time at Skip Barber.

I did 3 races in the series and well they all went really well my first one I was battling for the lead and well we touched but finished the race 1st but they made both of us lose 30 sec as you're not allowed to touch anyone. haha But the rest of them were good too. A 3rd and a 2nd, so couldn't ask for more really.

How was your time in Europe in the f3 Euroseries? Did you run into Rosberg and Hamilton?

All I can say is very competitive year. 7 are in F1 now. I did run into Hamilton and Rosberg and Vettel. All very very cool and well good. But I gotta say it was great to win the last race of the season and beat everyone. My teammate was Sebastien Buemi and well we pushed each other very hard and worked well as good teammates.

Had any crazy accidents/incidents on track?

I don't really think so the only one I can think of was my big accident in the A1GP series where I had a puncture hit the outside wall on the chicane and then ended up head on into the concrete barrier and it hurt.

Your mom and pop seem very supportive. How do they feel about watching you race?

They both love watching me race except for only with the timing. That makes them more nervous than anything. But when they watch it on TV or in real life well they are both enjoying every minute as they know I am very safe.

What's your favorite track in the US?

Road America. Great circuit and really long and technical with lots of passing opportunities

You were away a lot in Europe and then with A1GP. What's the best country you've visited?

I would have to say New Zealand which was a lot of fun and well really nice people there. And well made a lot of new friends there.

Favorite circuits worldwide? Well I like Hockenheim, Shanghai, and well Singapore looks amazing.

How was A1GP?

I loved the series. Was great to represent America and well win America's first Gold Medal in the world cup of motorsport. Really fun car to drive and well they sounded awesome.

That podium in China feel good?

Podium? Man that was a win!! It was amazing. I really enjoyed every minute. Was great to give the guys and fans a win and well show the field that we could win.

Now that you have experience of top class racing and tracks, how does this impact on your fitness.

Well of course with A1GP I found some new muscles never really knew existed. I was able to train them and well now I know I have to work out every muscle in my shoulder and push myself hard every time I workout.

What does it feel like after a tough, physical race?

Well after Brands Hatch A1GP race I didn't show it but I couldn't move my left arm due to lactic acid buildup but got a massage and drank plenty of water and well I was sore but fine the next day. It does drain you a lot though.

How do you keep fit? Are you good at other sports?

Well training consists of about 2-3 hours everyday at the moment with a day off every week and well of course focused nutrition. It does entail lots of cardio though and well very rarely do I lift a weight as I have to watch my weight. I love other sports. I have played a lot of them as a kid and well I like playing tennis and basketball when I can as it's a good workout and fun.

Do you have to watch what you eat?

Oh I certainly do. But really I try to keep off of the white flour and well eat a lot of chicken. My favorite meal would be chicken, brown rice, andbroccoli.

It seems like a very busy life you lead. Do you get much time to yourself?

I do every now and then and when I do I love to spend it with friends and family and well of course training.

Are you OK living out of a suitcase?

Yeah can actually be fun. I am now used to living out of it so it's just like another day really. I am pretty good at packing now though.

How technical are you? How do you rate your mechanical skills?

Umm well I would say I will leave that to the engineers that I have worked with but if I have to answer well I would say I am very technical and try to learn as much as I can all the time.

What do you think of the young drivers in the US - do you see any future champions?

Of course. I know of a couple that I would surely pick to be champions if they are willing to learn, take advice, keep their heads level, feet on the ground and focused and I am sure there are a few out there.

Who is the coolest guy in auto racing?

Coolest guy. Hmmm Well gotta say Dario Franchitti is a great guy.

What's the finest car you've ever driven?

Well at the moment probably a Ferrari 430

What's the oldest car you've ever driven?

A 1965 Chevelle

What's the best book you've read?

Haha well I really have enjoyed the Harry Potter collection.


What's on your iPod right now?

Just about anything and everything from Country-rap- rock- techno- oldies. Just really like all sorts of music.

If you were not a racing driver what career do you think you'd be good at?

Well I have always wanted to own my own business but I would probably be involved in motorsport in some way as it runs in my blood now.

Do you like talking to the media and being on TV?

Of course the more press the better and well anything to bring the fans closer and well entertain the crowds who come to support their favorite drivers.

What advice do you give a young racer starting out?

Set your goals high and never give up on them.

What are your hopes and expectations for the future?

Well hopefully to be a Formula 1 world champion and well win in every sort of motorsport I do.