Sarah Fisher will return to Verizon IndyCar Series this weekend at St Petersburg after agreeing to serve as one of the pace car drivers for the 2016 season.
The former driver and team owner, who stepped away from being a part of CFH Racing at the end of 2015, will share the driving duties with the legendary Johnny Rutherford, who is a three-time Indianapolis 500 victor.
Rutherford will drive the pace car in round two at Phoenix International Raceway on April 2, as well as the 100th edition of the Indy 500 this May, with Fisher assuming duties for the remainder of the season.
“Having worked with J.R. when I was a rookie (driver), and to follow in his footprints now is just an incredible honour,” said Fisher, who became the youngest female to race in the Indy 500 back in 2000, aged just 19.
“I’ve lived for the sport of Indy car racing and when Jay (Frye) offered me the position to pace the field, I didn’t think twice about my commitment again to the sport that I love.”
Jay Frye, the IndyCar president of competition and operations, is excited to have Fisher joining the pace car rotor, believing the nine-time Indy 500 starter is an asset to the series.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Sarah Fisher serve as a pace car driver in the Verizon IndyCar Series this year,” said Frye.
“Sarah’s been an integral part of IndyCar as both a driver and a team owner and having her in this role is a tremendous asset to the Verizon IndyCar Series.”
