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IRL: Walker Racing Enters IRL Series With Sarah Fisher and Cummins

30 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Walt Disney World, FL - Derrick Walker officially announced he will enter teenage sprint car racer phenomenon Sarah Fisher in the 2000 Indy Racing League season beginning at the Phoenix 200 on March 19, with backing from long time sponsor Cummins Engine Company.

Walker, a 5 time winner at the Indianapolis 500, said "I am very excited having this unique program with such a dynamic, young talent like Sarah. I enjoy her enthusiasm and respect her capabilities and commitment to this program".

Ms. Fisher began racing at the tender age of 5. Guided by her father, she progressed through quarter midgets, karts, then onto the tough ranks of midgets and 800hp sprint cars, capturing numerous victories and several track records. Fisher, who turned 19 in October, is the youngest driver to compete in IRL history. Her Rookie debut was at the Mall.com 500 held at the Texas Motor Speedway in the fall of 1999. When asked about the opportunity Fisher replied, "To make the step into full-time professional racing is what I have been working towards most of my life. To have it happen with Derrick Walker and his team is an incredible opportunity. The knowledge and support is tremendous".

Long time Walker Racing sponsor Cummins Engine Company has come on board to sponsor this program. Cummins has a long and rich history in motorsports, particularly at the Indianapolis 500. Charlie Bumb, Cummins VP National Accounts added, "Cummins and Walker Racing have had a winning partnership since 1994. We are thrilled to support an organization that provides opportunities to young drivers like Sarah Fisher. We wish Derrick, Sarah, and the rest of the Walker Racing team the best of luck this year".

Mead Carbonless Paper, who has been a supporter in Sarah's midget and sprint car programs will also join the Walker effort. Mary Jo Francis, Marketing Manager, Mead Carbonless said, "We have followed Sarah for several years now, are excited to grow to a new level of competition with her."

The team is anticipating the use of Riley and Scott's all new MK VII chassis with Oldsmobile power. Testing begins in February in preparation for the Phoenix 200 on March 19.

Bio: Sarah Fisher

Nationality: American
Birthdate: October 4, 1980
Personal: Single, 5'2" tall, 120 lbs.
Residence: Commercial Point, Ohio

Sarah Fisher's career in motorsports began at age 5, when her father introduced her to quarter-midgets. She rapidly moved up the ladder to faster vehicles and stiffer competition, eventually wrestling 800 horsepower sprint cars around the toughest tracks in the country. Along the way she set track records, captured pole positions, and won races.

In 1999 at the age of 18, Sarah completed her Rookie Test and competed in her first IRL Championship event. Her rapid rise to the upper levels of open-wheel racing has not gone unnoticed. Together, Sarah and team owner Derrick Walker will launch an assault on the Indy Car Championship in 2000.

Racing Record

Indy Racing League from ages 18 - present

- 1999 Youngest driver to pass IRL Rookie Test
- 1999 Competed in her first IRL event at Texas Motor Speedway starting 17th and finishing 25th due to mechanical problems.

Midgets from ages 18 to present

- As of 8/19/99 Sarah has won 5 of 23 races
- Won Feature at Winchester with NAMARS
- Won the Wolverine Mid-Season Nationals
- Set track record at Winchester (14.6 sec.)

Winged Outlaw Sprint cars from the ages of 15 - 18

- 1997 Nominated for the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame for Rookie of the Year
- 1995 Dirt Track Racing Round-up Rookie of the Year
- 1997 Competed on the entire All-Stars Circuit of Champions (62 races - Competed in several World of Outlaws events including the famed "Knoxville Nationals"
- Numerous preliminary wins
- 2nd at Eldora Speedway with the All-Stars Go-Karts from the ages of 8 - 14 including enduro lay-down, sprint dirt ovals, sprint road course and sprint asphalt ovals

- 1991 WKA Grand National Champion
- 1992 WKA Grand National Champion
- 1992 WKA Points Champion
- 1993 Circleville Points Champion
- 1994 WKA Grand National Champion

Quarter Midgets from the ages of 5 - 8

Text provided by Walker Racing

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.