RLR/Andersen Racing finds itself in familiar territory after four races in the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights championship.
The team, which scored its first victory in the series a year ago, finds itself leading the point standings with rookie Jonathan Summerton as the series heads to Indianapolis for its biggest race, the Firestone Freedom 100. Summerton holds a four-point advantage over Junior Strous. Last year, RLR/Andersen’s J. R. Hildebrand had a three-point lead after the race at Kansas.
“It was a great day for RLR/Andersen Racing,” team co-owner John Andersen said after the Kansas Lottery 100. “We had two kids who never drove on an oval before, but both had outstanding runs.”
Summerton is one of two drivers to post top-10 finishes in each of the first four races (Daniel Herrington of Bryan Herta Autosport is the other). The 21-year-old drew praise from his team for making the most of a car that wasn’t a contender when it began the 100-mile race.
“At the beginning of the race, Jonathan’s car was loose, but we adjusted it and towards the end he was as fast as the leaders,” Andersen said. “If there weren’t so many yellows, he would have been right there at the end, too. As it was he took the points lead. We’re really happy.”
Romancini was competitive from the start with the Brazilian running among the leaders despite the numerous cautions in the beginning of the race. His late-race pass of Ana Beatriz for second was rewarded with his first visit to the podium.
“I’m very happy with my first oval race,” he said. “Every lap I’m still learning. Once I got loose between Turns 3 and 4 and I thought I was done, but I was able to save it. I’m very happy with the car and with RLR/Andersen Racing; they did a fantastic job.”
Added Andersen: “Mario drove a great race, and got his first podium. We’re real happy for him. He did an outstanding job.”
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