01.01.06 2005 Season Review Niko’s main plan for the past season was compete in the International Polish Endurance Championship with local KB Racing’s Honda Civic Type R. Season started at April on Poznan circuit with high expectations. However, due to numerous technical problems during the race result was poor expect Niko’s second quickest laptime of the race. Only a Polish squad with a DTM Audi was faster. KB Racing’s working was a big disappointment for ambitious driver, but Niko doesn’t want to be acre about it. ”Racing is all about taking a risks. Afterwards it is very easy to say what you should done other way. I’m sure I learn something about this and it will help me in future” Niko said. Contract with KB Racing canceled and Niko steer to Germany and Nürburgring 24 hours race. NÜRBURGRING 24h Legendary endurance race gave challenge and a lot of new experiences for Niko. 271 cars took part to this massive event with over 100 000 spectators. Frensch Power Motorsport’s Ford Puma was in group A3 which was one of the hardest group with 39 cars. Despite of difficult conditions, Finnish-German squad manage to finish the race and Niko set the team’s fastest laptime. Demanding endurance race gave a lot of pricy experience which helps Niko in future. ”First 24 hours race of my career was great experience. Now I know what it ask from driver and I have also noticed that professional teams appreciate this kind of experience. For sure it was important to be there” Niko talks. FIA GT OSCHERSLEBEN After Nürburgring race there was a small break from racing but Niko wasn’t jobless. He negotiated with many international teams for taking next step to the GT racing. Finally at August Niko signed contract with Czech National Team for driving in the FIA GT Championship at Oschersleben. It was Niko's first time behind of powerful Porsche's steering wheel and on the Oschersleben circuit. Though it didn’t take long for Niko to acclamtise quickly to new settings and clocked competetive laptimes already in the Friday's free practise. Niko shared the seat with car owner Jan Vonka and experienced Italian Mauro Casadei. Nurminen and Casadei were the fastest drivers within the squad and thus they got a lot of circuit time during both qualifying sessions. However the team couldn't take advantage of new tyres in qualifying and were classified 8th grid in the GT2 class. The first stint it the race was driven by Mauro Casadei and after that it was time to get action for Niko. Young ace continued team’s good battle and despite of worn tires he worked their way into third place in GT2 class. It was scheduled that it was only going to be a 45 minute stint for Niko, but because of his good and equal laptimes it was finally more than one hour. ” Team decided to keep me on the track as long as possible because I gaining positions. My stint was very interesting and there was a lot action as I chased Porsches which were ahead and at the same time played with fast GT1 cars which were lapping me" Niko explained. Squad made their secong stop when there was only 30 minutes to go and thus car owner Jan Vonka had the honour to bring the Porsche to chequered flag in fourth place in GT2 category. Losing the podium position was only a minor disapointment for Niko as for his first atempt on the catagory it was a spectatular entrance into the catagory. << back to news