Markus Niemela ready for his first Sprint Car season

(Ventura, CA March 5, 2010) Saturday, March 6, Markus Niemela is set to begin his rookie season in Sprint Car racing at the opening of the 2010 VRA Sprint Car Championship at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America!" Ventura Raceway, Ventura, CA.

Markus is excited at the thought of not only representing his hometown as most sprint car drivers do, but as the only Finn to ever race Sprint Cars he will also be representing the entire country of Finland.

"I have been back in California for two weeks now and couldn't wait to get on the track. Unfortunately the rain messed up our testing schedule and this was the first proper practice I got in the car following my introduction to the sport on New Years Eve 2009. Luckily I had the opportunity to share track time with other drivers and got a feel for what it is like when there are cars around you in a race situation. I have learned a lot and my driver coach and team owner Kevin Kierce has been a huge help in order to get used to this kind of car." stated Niemela.

The Finn went on to say "I believe my pace will be OK to start with, but in the race there are just so many cars around you it's hard to keep focus on your own driving. I have been watching a lot of videos but obviously they do not compare to being 4 wide in the pack of 20 cars so there's definitely going to be a learning curve this year. I am looking forward to the challenge and I can't wait for Saturday and the first race!"

Sprint Cars are known for their close racing and numerous passes per race. Niemela says the actual racing experience will be the biggest challenge of his rookie season.

VRA Sprint Cars will be continuing a 14 yr. tradition of outstanding open wheel racing. Reigning 2009 champion Kevin Kierce, (Kierce racing) will compete for his third consecutive championship. Kierce will be challenged for that quest by a host of talented returning driver's including Greg Taylor, Troy Rutherford, Rick Hendrix, Justin Kierce, Luis Espinoza, Brandon Thomson, Chris Wakim, John Nock, Brian and Brent Camarillo, Cody Kershaw, Danny Sheridan, 2009 Rookie of the Year, Tyler Edwards, along with numerous outstanding short track racers. The drivers will compete in a series of heat races, semi main events and a 30-lap feature event each race night.

-source: Markus Niemelä Racing