Quaker Chemical Backs Newgarden Substitute Junqueira in Baltimore
Quaker Chemical Corporation, an official sponsor and technical partner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing will again support the No. 67 Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone entry. The No.67 car will be driven by veteran Bruno Junqueira, who will replace the team's regular driver, Josef Newgarden. Newgarden suffered a broken finger last weekend at the IZOD IndyCar Series race in Sonoma, Calif. during a crash.
"The IZOD Indy Car Series constantly pushes drivers to the limit; we wish Josef a speedy and full recovery from the injuries he sustained," said Joe Berquist, Quaker VP and Managing Director North America.
Newgarden had surgery Tuesday to repair his broken left index finger. Team officials anticipate Newgarden to return to the cockpit for the IZOD IndyCar Series 2012 season finale at Auto Club Speedway on September 15.
"I'm really disappointed to not be in the car this weekend but I know Bruno will do a great job for SFHR," Newgarden said. "I'll be in Baltimore helping Bruno and the team in any way I can and focusing on healing for Fontana."
Junqueira will pull double duty at the Grand Prix of Baltimore by driving in the IZOD IndyCar Series for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing on Sunday afternoon after the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) presented by Tequila Patron for Rocketsports Racing on Saturday afternoon. Joe Berquist, Quaker VP and Managing Director North America, notes that "We are happy to support the Sarah Fisher Hartman team with our technology to meet the challenges in the upcoming races."
35-year-old Junqueira, from Belo Horizonte, Brazil has eight CART victories and finished second in the CART championship three times. Junqueira qualified for the Indianapolis 500 eight times and started from the pole position in 2002.
"I am very happy to be back in IndyCar with SFHR for the Baltimore race weekend," Junqueira said. "Sarah's team is very organized and has been fast all season. They have done a great job with Josef and I hope to give them a good race weekend in Baltimore while Josef is healing."
Noting Junqueira's IndyCar experience, Fisher said the team is confident it found the right substitute for this weekend.
"It is lucky that we were able to call on Bruno for this weekend's race," said Sarah Fisher, co-owner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. "He has had great results prior to climbing into the No. 67 car, and I hope we can give him the right platform to bring home a solid finish this weekend in Baltimore. I know Josef is disappointed in the circumstances, as we all are, but this team is being built around him and his seat will be waiting for him when he's ready. We look forward to a healthy and speedy recovery for Josef."
The Grand Prix of Baltimore IZOD IndyCar Series race will take place on Sunday, September 2nd and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 2:00PM ET.