MORE ON THE MARKUS NIEMELA/BROOKS ASSOCIATES RACING (BAR) FLAP

By Rick Carlton - PRRACEwire for The Auto Channel

Austin, TX January 9, 2009: After publicizing the BAR statement yesterday evening it is only fair that Markus Niemela and his backers have an opportunity to respond. Therefore, the following extracts from a statement offered this afternoon:

"...Contrary to the announcement (from) BAR, Markus Niemela is not trying to force changes to an existing contract, but only wants (BAR) to fulfill their part of (the contract). (Responding to) BAR’s statement that Markus agreed that all end-of-the-season monies (would be) paid to the Team...we (would like to) quote a paragraph of the agreement between BAR and Markus Niemelä that defines (the)...prize money split between the team and the driver:

Prize money/Trophies. Prize money will be divided 100% to team for first $100,000, which is in addition to the arrangement as noted above. After $100,000, the next $50,000 to Driver. Remaining amount to be divided 50% to team, 50% to driver. All Trophies remain the property of the Driver. In the event (that the) Driver wins the Championship, (a) ChampCar bonus of $2 million towards a future ride, will be fully vested to driver.

According to Niemelä, “Naturally I’m not happy (with) the way things have gone, (but) more than anything I’m disappointed (with) the way Brooks announced (their statement) in public, (as if) it was not enough (for them) to keep most of (the) the prize money I won...I brought in (a) big part of BAR’s budget last season, and my sponsors always respected our agreement, although there were (fewer) race weekends than we had originally agreed (to), and (when Champcar went away) there as no more Champ Car Bonus of $2 million and, therefore, (the) actual value of the agreement was less. Still, my sponsors paid the amount of the original agreement. Of course I'm not blaming Brooks (for) those changes but...both my sponsors (and I) kept loyal to Brooks no matter what, and we won the championship together. Anyway, (this) is a huge mess (and it) is not good (for) anyone. I have absolutely nothing to hide in this case, and everyone that know the details of it, know who is right, and who is wrong.

I understand (that) we need to answer...(any) false accusations made by BAR, so that this (issue) does not cause any more damage.

(But), I (also) want to make it clear that none of the employees (at) BAR during the 2008 season (are) involved...and I'm still thankful to all of my mechanics and engineers, who made it possible to win the title."