INDYCAR: Fisher's Family Expands With Newgarden And Hartman

IndyCar

INDYCAR: Fisher’s Family Expands With Newgarden And Hartman

Josef Newgarden found a home, Sarah Fisher introduced her silent partner and IndyCar got a feel-good American story just in time for the holidays.

Robin Miller | Posted December 07, 2011

Wink Hartman, left, Sarah Fisher, middle, and Josef Newgarden, right, have long-term plans for SFHR. (IndyCar Series)

Josef Newgarden found a home, Sarah Fisher introduced her silent partner and the IZOD INDYCAR series got a feel-good American story just in time for the holidays.

Newgarden, who captured the 2011 Indy Lights championship and Fisher’s eye with his dominating drives, signed a three-year deal to run for the small but resilient team on Indy’s westside.

“It’s a very proud day for me,” said the 20-year-old native of Nashville, Tenn. “Some guys never get a chance and now Sarah and Wink are giving me the opportunity to progress to the next step.

“The whole progression of my career has been a dream and I feel very fortunate.”

Fisher, who lost title sponsor Dollar General after winning her first race as a car owner last fall at Kentucky, is pressing on because she struck oil – literally and figuratively.

An association that began with a donation in 2008 has now blossomed into a partnership as oil explorer Wink Hartman is now the co-owner of Sarah Fisher/Hartman Racing.

“Wink has been with me from Day 1 but he’s always been in the background and today he’s up here with me and it’s a great day for our team,” said the former driver and longtime fan favorite of the Indy Racing League.

“He’s really keeping us going right now.”

Hartman, who owns the Wichita Wild indoor football team and Wichita Wings soccer club in addition to a trucking firm and oil company, invested in Fisher before ever meeting her.

He watching ESPN and learned a sponsor had pulled out on her at the last minute so he decided to write a check. “I didn’t know anything about her or racing but I felt for her so I got on her website and called her shop.

“Whomever I talked to basically said if you’re dumb enough to send money, then by all means, go ahead,’’ said Hartman with a chuckle. “I wired the money and then Sarah called to thank me.

“I’m lucky to be included and I guess I’m kinda like the oldest son of Sarah’s...’’

Hartman has been a godsend for Fisher, who faces the daunting task of trying to run the full season without being a member of the Leader’s Circle Club (which pays $1.2 million per car for the Top 22 in points).

But she could reap a $1 million scholarship payment from the series for Newgarden being Lights champ if SFHR can run the full season in 2012.

“That’s our goal and we’ve still got some sales work to do to get there,’’ said Fisher, whose team has yet to align with an engine manufacturer.

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.

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