IndyCar - Newgarden Lands Ride With Fisher Hartman Racing

Indianapolis, Dec. 10, 2011: Kansas businessman Wink Hartman was one of the first sponsors of Sarah Fisher's race team in 2008, and over the last few years their relationship has grown with Hartman becoming a silent partner in the team earlier this year.

Fisher officially welcomed Hartman as a full partner on Dec. 7, and the pair has hired 2011 Firestone Indy Lights champion Josef Newgarden to drive the No. 67 entry for the newly named Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing in 2012.

"I'm very excited to welcome Wink as a partner to SFHR," said Fisher. "Wink has been a part of the team and a personal mentor since 2008, and in this new era of our team and the direction we're going, we're excited to have his leadership.

"Wink brought the idea of Josef to our attention, and after watching him mid-season forward we knew he would be a perfect fit. Josef has a great brand and is a true champion. We very much look forward to working with him both on and off track."

Newgarden, a 20-year-old native of Hendersonville, Tenn., won the Firestone Indy Lights title in 2011, capturing five wins and 10 podium finishes.

"First of all, I'd like to thank Andy (O'Gara), Sarah, and Wink for providing me with this opportunity," said Newgarden, who has signed a three-year contract with the team. "It's a perfect fit. SFHR and myself have a lot of the same qualities, and I'm really looking forward to working with everyone throughout the year. I'm sure we're going to have great chemistry, and I'm excited to get 2012 rolling."

SFHR is currently working out details to finalize Newgarden's 2012 schedule, but expects a full- season effort. Newgarden believes like he's in an ideal situation to be a rookie driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series and can adapt quickly.

"I think I've been prepared for this point and I have all the faith in the world in the Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing group," he said. "I think I will have all the tools to the job for them, and it's going to be collaboration. It's not going to come from one guy. It's going to take everyone coming together to make it work. I think we already have that and that's important when you come to a new group. We've got a great chance for success."

Hartman, who owns professional indoor soccer and football teams in Wichita, Kan., first became involved with the No. 67 entry after hearing the story of Fisher's team prior to the 2008 Indianapolis 500. He has been a part of the team since.

"I'm excited about the great news for SFHR today," Hartman said. "It shows Sarah's continued growth in selecting Josef to be the driver for the future of the team. We look forward to a great 2012 season with Josef behind the wheel."