Top-5 For Both NWR Drivers At New Jersey Race 1

Millville, June 13, 2009: Newman Wachs Racing drivers Markus Niemela and John Edwards had their work cut out for themselves today in the first of two races this weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park for rounds three and four of the Atlantic Championship. Niemela finished where he started, in 4th, and Edwards improved from 8th to close out the top five.

For reigning Atlantic Champion, Niemela, today’s result was somewhat bittersweet. After suffering from some bad luck during the first two races of the season, this is the first time Markus has taken the checkered flag this year. Despite the solid finish, however, the young Finn was disappointed not to be on the podium.

Markus Niemela #1 Mr. Jones/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ Newman Wachs Racing: (P4)

"It feels nice to finish a race for once in a long while, but I am not too happy with the end result. I would have been faster but overtaking in this track is really difficult and I blew my only chance to overtake Garcia (who finished 3rd) heading into turn one. I had one chance and I couldn’t make it stick. The car is not bad; we don't need to do any major or huge changes for tomorrow. The start once again will be important, and if I can get a really good start we should be ok."

For Edwards, today’s race was all about making the most of a poor starting position. Despite improving an unparalleled three positions on a course that doesn’t present very many passing opportunities, he falls to second in the Championship standings by just one point. He made some bold maneuvers on track today, and made the most of a challenging situation. Tomorrow’s race for the NWR driver is even more important with the front row being comprised of Championship leader Simona De Silvestro and 3rd place Jonathan Summerton. Just one point separates the top-three after just three rounds complete. The competition is tough and shows no signs of getting any easier.

John Edwards, #36 MAZDASPEED/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ Newman Wachs Racing: (P5)

“We moved up a few positions so that was good for the points today, but we still don’t have the pace of the leaders (Summerton and De Silvestro). We’ll see what we can do tonight and aim for the podium tomorrow.”