CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 last weekend was a frustrating affair for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) and driver Josef Newgarden. Newgarden's rapid advancement through the field from 25th starting position vanished early in the race after losing several laps in the pits while the crew tried to diagnose the sudden onset of problems in the race car and causing Newgarden to finish 28th overall.
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"We're still not sure exactly what happened to cause the car to go off so suddenly and dramatically, even bottoming hard at caution lap speeds," Newgarden said. "It was terribly frustrating because we worked so hard on race setup. I'm sure we would have had a great finish without our issues, but that's racing."
Quaker Chemical Corporation, an official sponsor and technical partner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, will again back Newgarden's No. 67 SFHR Dallara/Honda/Firestone entry this weekend as the team looks for redemption in the Indy Dual in Detroit, Michigan at Belle Isle Park.
"The Indianapolis 500 pushes drivers, teams and cars to the very limit, and we are looking forward to seeing a bounce back in Detroit where the team will have two chances for redemption," Joe Berquist, Quaker VP and Managing Director North America, said. "We are excited to continue to bring our technology to this series, and help Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing meet the challenges ahead, especially at Belle Isle Park, which is located near many Quaker customers."
Through our technical partnership we are able to work with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing to formulate products that conquer the severe heat, friction and wear generated at the track during racing conditions," states Joe Berquist, Quaker VP and Managing Director North America. "While Quaker supports Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing in meeting its challenges in the competitive IndyCar racing environment, Quaker also hopes to translate the track-side research into products that will continue to play a leadership role in creating bottom-line value and performance for our customers in other industries."
For the "Dual in Detroit" Grand Prix this weekend, IndyCar has scheduled two full-length championship races, similar to the schedule in Toronto and Houston later this year. This new double-header format holds a lot of appeal for Newgarden.
"The great thing is that we get to run two races, which normally we don't get to do," Newgarden said. "Often, if you don't win a race you want to run a second one. This time you actually can! I always loved running two races as a junior driver. It will be fun for everyone involved."
A critical ingredient to SFHR's success this weekend could be the physically demanding nature of the Belle Isle temporary street course. However, 22-year-old Newgarden is known as one of the most physically fit drivers on the circuit, which should play to the team's advantage over two 70-lap races on the 2.346-mile, 13-turn Belle Isle layout.
"Physically it will be a very challenging race weekend," Newgarden said. "There's so much that you need to do as a driver to prepare for one race, and I think that two races just makes it even more difficult with hydration levels, sleep and preparation."
Both Detroit Grand Prix races will air live on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Qualifying begins on Friday, May 31 at 3 p.m. ET. For the latest trackside updates from SFHR, follow @SFHRindy on Twitter.
About Quaker Chemical Corporation:
Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process fluids, chemical specialties, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries, including steel, aluminum, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, cans, and others. For nearly 100 years, Quaker has helped customers around the world achieve production efficiency, improve product quality, and lower costs through a combination of innovative technology, process knowledge, and customized services. Headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA, Quaker serves businesses worldwide with a network of dedicated and experienced professionals whose mission is to make a difference. Visit www.quakerchem.com to learn more.
About Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing:
Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) was established in 2008 and is owned by former driver Sarah Fisher, the youngest woman ever to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the first woman to run a full IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, and businessman Wink Hartman. SFHR has competed in the IZOD IndyCar Series since 2008, earning its first victory in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway. For more information on Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, visit www.sfhracing.com.
SOURCE Quaker Chemical Corporation
Eliana Holguin, Global Marketing Manager, holguine@quakerchem.com, 610.832.7897
