CORRECTION - Markus Niemelä Retains Attorney To Sort Out Money, Allegedly Owed By Brooks Racing
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In researching the original article, an error occurred during a Finnish to English translation. To correct the record, Brooks Racing did not pay Niemela $200,000 for the 2008 season as originally written, and the article has been updated accordingly. The reporter regrets the technical error. - RAC
Austin, TX January 8, 2009: According to sources in Finland, Atlantic Champion Markus Niemela has retained an attorney in an attempt to secure additional, end-of-year money, allegedly owed by Brooks Racing for the 2008 season.
However, Sue Brooks, who manages marketing for the team, offers a different slant on the situation. "...our team was proud to give an under-budgeted young driver the opportunity to combine assets to win the 2008 Atlantic Championship.
We had a legal and binding contract with Markus Niemela, which both he and his sponsor signed. During negotiations, it was specifically agreed that any end-of-season monies were to be paid to the team.
Unfortunately for Markus, when ChampCar went bankrupt, the Championship Driver Award of a credit for a 2009 ChampCar ride went away. He is looking to now make changes to a signed agreement.
We wish Markus every success, but are disappointed in these slanderous accusations."