Rochester, N.Y., August 26 — The second Deep Throttle monthly ranking for American driver prospects in open wheel road racing are out, and Atlantic racers named Jonathan are on top of the list.

Jonathan Bomarito of the Champ Car Atlantic series jumped from third to first thanks to an outstanding month of August. Bomarito led 79 of a possible 82 laps en route to two wins (Road America and Trois-Rivieries) and one second (Road America) while capturing two pole positions and an outside front row starting spot.

"It will be very interesting to see where Bomarito ends up next year," Deep Throttle Publisher Russell Jaslow said, "Typically, car owners love to grab that hot, young phenom. However, Bomarito did not come onto the scene a few years back lighting the racing world on fire. Instead, he has steadily progressed and is truly coming into his own this year.

"A last minute search for teams after Sierra Sierra chose to withdraw from the series at the last minute landed Bomarito on a team whose best finish was eighth (Toronto and San Jose last year), Mathiasen Motorsports. If his success under those circumstances doesn't impress some car owners, they're not paying attention."

Jonathan Summerton also jumped two spots from fourth to second thanks to winning at Road America after starting ninth and taking second at Trois-Rivieres from the same starting spot. Richard Antinucci of the Firestone Indy Lights series fell from first to third, though he is still in contention for the title, just three points behind Raphael Matos.

"There's been some questions about Antinucci belonging on this list," Jaslow said. "However, Antinucci is an American citizen. And that's all we go by. We don't care where someone grew up, where they started racing, or where they were trained. If we started to consider those factors, it would be impossible to draw the boundaries in such a way that everyone would consider fair. Thus, if it's good enough for the American government, it's good enough for us. If you're an American citizen, you are eligible to be in this ranking."

John Edwards of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear dropped two spots, mainly due to the success of other drivers and not due to anything Edwards did wrong in August. After all, two poles, two seconds, and a fourth are nothing to be ashamed of. Following Edwards is J.R. Hildebrand (Indy Lights) who remains in the fifth spot. Joel Miller (Star Mazda) also remains in the same spot he occupied last month, sixth.

Jeff Westphal moved up one sport thanks to two more victories in the Pacific F2000 series while Dane Cameron dropped one spot despite his first Atlantic pole. Josef Newgarden remained in ninth, but his Skip Barber National competitor, Conor Daly, is now just one spot behind him. Carl Skerlong (Atlantic) dropped to 11th, while Alexander Rossi (FBMW), Alex Ardoin (Star Mazda), and Robert Podlesni (Pacific F2000) stayed put. Entering the ranking for the first time is Niki Coello who replaced fellow F2000 driver, Jordan Taylor.

"The response from the first ranking was very positive," Jaslow said. "With just two months left in the racing season, American drivers are poised to take championships in six different junior formula series, a true testament to the strength of the local racer."

You can read more details concerning why the ranking is being done and how the ranking is put together. There is also a junior formula motorsports schedule. with any questions or to discuss the ranking.

If you wish to be added or removed from the American Driver Prospects Ranking for Open Wheel Road Racing press release email list, just stating your wishes, and we will gladly comply.

Copyright © 2008 by Russell Jaslow and Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.