Jonathon Summerton is a 21-year old US racing driver from Kissimmee, Florida that has set his sights on a Formula One auto racing championship.
Q: How did you first get involved in racing?
A: I started racing with RC cars and basically progressed from them up to Go-Karts as one of the guys I raced RC cars with knew the owner of the Go-Kart track so asked if I wanted to go with him one day to have some fun. So I did and it all started from there.
Q: How would you say racing has affected you growing up?
A: Actually I didn’t get started in racing young compared to most. I was one of the latest starters to date. I started when I was 14 so didn’t really effect me too much. I did have a lot of days off school but was able to graduate a year ahead of my class and graduate in the top 5% of the class I was with. I loved the challenge.
Q: What did it mean for you to become the youngest winner driver at the Brickyard?
A: It was a great feeling. I was very happy to know that I had achieved such a great award and well to be the youngest driver to win there is awesome.
Q: Where are you at this point in your career?
A: Well basically trying to find a ride for 2010. It is a constant battle in the motorsports world unless you have money it is very hard to get anywhere. Even F1 now are asking for money to drive in it. We will see where the sponsors take me next year.
Q: How do you feel about your chances as the first American American Formula 1 Champion since Mario Andretti in 1978?
A: I feel my chances are good. When I get the opportunity to do F1 I will be sure to achieve my goal as I am determined to do this and do it for everyone who has supported me and been there for me in my career.
Q: What are your main goals for racing, long term and short term?
A: My short-term goal is to win the Championship I go into next year or be in Formula 1. My long-term goal would have to be to be the next American F1 Champion since Mario Andretti.
Q: Although you are rumored to be the next Formula 1 driver, have you considered Indy Car at all?
A: I have and given the opportunity I would love to do it. I am trying to secure a ride in the Indy 500 for this coming year. I just need to find the sponsors who want to be involved.
Q: What will it take for you to make it to Formula 1?
A: Hard work and determination. I just have to stay focused and with the support of press and with the support of fans I will get there.
Q: What will it take for you to make it to Indy Car?
A: Same as F1 determination and hard work. I need also to get a foot in the door at Indy and that would also help out.
Q: Can you tell us about the trip you are currently on?
A: I am over in England and Portugal where I am testing the F2 car at the Algarve circuit and then I am in England where I am going to meet a couple of teams in different levels of motorsport in Europe and catch up with some friends and family.
Q: How is it going and what’s next for you?
A: We will see I am testing on Sat. so I will be sure to update you guys on how that goes.
Q: What is your favorite thing about racing?
A: I would have to say the adrenaline rush and the thrill of excitement I get from entertaining the fans and beating other competitors.
Q: Outside of racing what do you like do to do with your time?
A: I love to wakeboard, Jet Ski, workout, hang out with friends and family, and just go to the beach.
Q: Can you tell about your involvement with the Give Kids the World charity?
A: Give Kids the World is a great Charity that I support strongly with all my heart and am constantly volunteering there and being a spokesperson for them. It is such an amazing place that gives children who have life threatening illnesses their last wish and hopefully the happiness and enjoyment will be big enough to help cure them or give them a dream come true.
Q: What’s something people don’t know about you?
A: Well I don’t know a lot of stuff is published about me and my personal side but I must say…most people wouldn’t guess it but I love brownies and I was a straight A’s student at school.
http://www.jonathansummerton.com/
http://twitter.com/jsummerton
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