Markus Niemela newsletter 2010-07-21

Markus Niemelä Racing
Injury fails to hold Niemela back

5 weeks after breaking his wrist in a freak BMX training accident, Finnish VRA Sprint car series driver, Markus Niemela was strapped back into the racecar despite only being able to use one hand to steer. Tough conditions ensured Niemela really had to push himself to the limit to secure an excellent 7th place finish in the feature race at Ventura Speedway.

Engine problems in the heat resulted in Niemela finishing 3rd just behind points leader and eventual feature race winner Troy Rutherford and reigning champion Kevin Kierce to secure 10th place on the grid for the feature race. A new engine in the racecar, Niemela had a strong race, moving forwards at every opportunity, eventually overtaking Kierce for 6th place on the final lap. Unfortunately a full course caution came into force before the last lap was complete meaning the move on Kierce was not counted and Niemela classified 7th overall.

Niemela: "I'm happy with the race with everything considered. The team worked hard to get my engine changed between the heat race and main event and I got to race. The race itself wasn't easy as track conditions were pretty heavy and driving one handed was really physical because you are turning the wheel practically all the time. I was counting down the laps to the end of the race! I've never been so happy to see a red flag as today as it gave me a short break to rest my good arm while waiting for the restart!"

Already before his BMX accident Niemela showed great potential as a rookie in Sprint Car racing by winning a heat race or a semi final 3 races in a row. In the race next weekend Niemelä will still continue using only one hand to give his left wrist the chance of a full recovery.

"After the next race there will be a one month break in VRA Sprint Car Championship and my wrist should be nearly back to 100% by the end of the break. For the first time in my life I need to be patient and follow my doctor's instructions carefully not to do any damage."

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-source: www.markusniemela.com.