Junior Open Wheel Talent

Markus Niemela, 2008 Atlantic Champion, will spend Thursday afternoon trying his hand at oval racing in a Indy Lights car for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. The 24 year old has been pegged by many for a return to the GP2 series for 2009. GP2 would be a wise move if his racing ambition is limited to F1, but if he is considering a future in the IndyCar series or ALMS... driving in the Indy Lights series would be a solid move (See Rafa Matos). Niemela had a solid year in the ultra competitive Atlantic Championship (2 wins, 5 podiums).

At this time the Finnish driver is keeping his options open and not closing any doors for 2009.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports has been working with the Indy Lights series to create testing opportunities for some of this year's junior formula champions. A nice move by Sam Schmidt, one that might land him some very solid drivers for 2009.