Tuesday, May 4, 2004
Sarah Fisher continued to make her stops around the country as 'Women in Racing Week' continued on Tuesday.  Monday, Sarah made stops in New York for appearances and for a segment on 'Good Morning America.'  Tuesday, Sarah appeared on the Speed Channel on popular auto racing program, 'WindTunnel.' 

Sarah talked about her New York experience with Charlie Gipson (Good Morning America co-host) and driving an IndyCar around the block in Times Square--where she was only supposed to go 100 yards. 

The legendary American racer, as WindTunnel host Dave Despin put it, will be returning to Brickyard this month as she prepares for the 88th running of the Indianapolis 500.  Sarah will be powered into action with a Toyota powered Dallara having ran with Chevy in the past. 

Sarah is teamed up with much of her old engineering staff with former engineer Mark Weida, who Sarah worked with at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.  During this partnership, Weida helped Fisher become the first woman driver to capture the pole position for an IndyCar Series race.  He was also on board during the 2002 Indianapolis 500 where Sarah qualified with a four lap average of 229.439, the fastest women ever at the Indy 500.  After being out of the car for about eight months, Sarah mentioned she was glad to be back and said she's looking for speed. 

Sarah fielded questions from a few fans who called the show.  The majority of the questions dealt with her gender.  She talked about being only the third women to drive at Indy.  Fortunately for Sarah, the women who have come before her have helped to break down gender barriers and pave the way for others, like Sarah to follow.  Sarah mentioned how she feels as if she gets a lot of respect from her peers, other drivers, team owners, and fans alike.  "I think I get so much respect because we have been competitive in the past and from my ability to run upfront." 

Sponsor issues were also address during the hour-long segment.  As Sarah stressed, "We've been working really hard to get a full season deal together.  I've had Kelly (Racing), Ignition, and the IRL working to help me secure sponsorship."  One caller asked, why the large corporations ran by women haven't jumped on board.  Sarah mentioned how she has went after some female-ran companies but "we just haven't been able to find the right fit yet." 

For the 500, Sarah is joined by primary sponsor, Bryant Heating & Cooling, and associate sponsors: Checkers/Rally's, Raybestos, Tag Heuer, MBNA, Cure Autism Now, Motortrend Magazine, alltrail.com and The Ft. Wayne Airport.

The pressure-packed month of May continues back in Indianapolis at the Motor Speedway with opening day on Sunday, May 9. 

*Dave Despin photo courtesy speedtv.com