CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing driver Josef Newgarden will start Sunday's 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 from the middle of row three, in 8th position. Newgarden's Quaker Chemical-backed Honda/Dallara has been fast all month at Indianapolis and now he and the SFHR team are poised to contend for victory on the biggest stage in motorsports.

Quaker Chemical Corporation, an official sponsor and technical partner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, proudly supports Newgarden's No. 67 SFHR Dallara/Honda/Firestone entry not only as a sponsor, but also as an important technical contributor.

"We are very proud and excited to continue to bring our technology and expertise to the Sarah Fisher Hartman team and be part of their success," Joe Berquist, Quaker VP and Managing Director North America, said. "And we are looking forward to a great performance at the Indy 500, the biggest race of the year."

Last weekend during the Fast Nine portion of Time Trials, Newgarden posted a very strong 4-lap average speed of 229.893 to secure his 2nd-best starting spot for the 500, having started from the 7th position in 2012.

"We had a great day today," Newgarden said. "It started off well with just being in the Fast Nine Shootout, which was a big achievement for us from Saturday. We didn't quite have enough for Pole position but we gave it everything we had, and I'm super proud of everyone at SFHR for doing that. It's always good to start this race in clean air."

Newgarden, who in 2012 was the top rookie qualifier and Honda-powered qualifier, is now much more at ease with the gravity of trying to win Indy 500, known universally as one of the world's greatest motor races.

"Going into my third year, I'm much more comfortable with the routine of Indy. You're more at ease each year. It's so difficult when you see the crowd on Sunday and you think about the two weeks put into it, all the work, the team that's done everything for you, the engineers, the mechanics; there's a lot put into it for this one day. It's a very difficult race from a pressure standpoint and the pressure gets into your head very easily. Now, coming into my third year, I feel a lot more comfortable. I understand how the race is going to flow, and I think we're going to have a good car, so I'm excited for Sunday and I'm just happy I have those two years of experience to lean on."

The 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 will begin next Sunday, May 25 at 12 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC. For all the latest updates from the SFHR team 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 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 sfhracing.com.

SOURCE Quaker Chemical Corporation