Date: May 4, 2009 Newman Wachs Racing Contact: Aislinn Miller 1312 Armour Blvd
[email protected] Mundelein, IL 60060 (405) 822‐9012 May 7, 2009 (Mundelein, IL) – Newman Wachs Racing drivers John Edwards and Markus Niemela are both winners at Miller Motorsports Park (MMP). Edwards dominated his Star Mazda race in 2008 and Niemela his Atlantic Championship race, both leading flag to flag. Edwards and Niemela each aim to win again, but only one will be triumphant at the 2nd round of the Atlantic Championship May 17 at MMP. Edwards, at just 18, from Cincinnati, OH won the Star Mazda Championship last fall. In doing so, he earned the coveted MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development scholarship, which allowed him to move up to the Atlantic Championship. He won the season‐opener at Sebring International Raceway in March, leading every lap on his way to the victory and the early points lead. Niemela, 25, from Finland is the reigning Atlantic Champion, earning the title after a tough fight that was decided at the season finale at Road Atlanta last fall. He returns to the Series in 2009 seeking the one million dollar championship prize awarded to the winner, and is the first Atlantic driver to defend his title in a full‐season effort in more than ten years. Round one at Sebring didn’t fare so well for the young Finn, as he and another competitor tangled on the first lap, ending both of their days prematurely. Fortunately for Niemela, the Atlantic Championship Series allows each competitor to drop their worst finish, so the Championship is still within his reach.