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CONGRATULATIONS IndyCar Series driver and owner of Sarah Fisher Racing, Sarah Fisher, awarded the Spirit of Leadership award by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI). The award was presented in conjunction with the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) in New Orleans, Louisiana. “To follow in the footsteps of the many women who have received this award before me, I’m honored to have been thought of for this prestigious award,” said Fisher, who announced on January 13th that she would return to the IndyCar Series in 2009 with backing from Dollar General. “For me, being an active part of my community and lending a helping hand has been a dedication for me in my life thus far. I’m very happy I was able to accept this award in person today thanks to AAA Auto Insurance and to also meet this group of female influencers in the automotive industry. Thank you very much.” Established in 1999, the WAAI’s “Spirit of Leadership” award is presented annually to professional women in the automotive industry. These women have dedicated their life to their profession and to giving back to others; and they serve as mentors and are role models to us all. Sustained superior performance, community involvement, influence and support of other women within the automotive industry are just some of the qualities these women possess. “Sarah was chosen for her outstanding contributions to racing,” said Lynn M. Wilhelm, Executive Director of the WAAI. “Throughout Sarah’s career, she has always kept a community focus. We’re honored to award Sarah the Spirit of Leadership and have her in our presence today. Along with Fisher, Monica Emerson, former Executive Director of the Global Diversity Office at Chrysler LLC., Ellen McKoy, Senior Director, Dealers Relations at SEMA and Executive Director of SEWA and Judith Schumacher, Principal, Schumacher Chevrolet, were also honored during the reception aboard the Creole Queen in New Orleans. Fisher opens the 2009 season at the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas on Sunday April 26, 2009, and shown live on the VERSUS (VS) Network at 4:00 p.m. EST. Additional coverage will be available on the IMS Radio Network and XM Satellite Radio’s “IndyCar Racing,” Drive for Diversity 2009 driver lineup announced! NASCAR's Drive for Diversity initiative continues to move forward in 2009 with an expanded driver lineup and a new management group. Twelve drivers will participate in the sixth season of Drive for Diversity -- four in the Camping World Series and eight in the Whelen All-American Series. In addition, former Dale Earnhardt Inc. president Max Siegel and his new marketing and entertainment company, 909 Group, will take over day-to-day management of the initiative. "We are proud of the progress this important initiative and its drivers have made over the past five years," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France. "The expansion to 12 drivers and 11 teams is a great sign of opportunities that continue to be created for young diverse drivers. We look forward to the leadership of Max Siegel and know he will help bring Drive for Diversity to the next level."
Entering its sixth season, Drive for Diversity is NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative. The program is designed to give young minority and female drivers opportunities to compete with established NASCAR teams at the grassroots level. Since 2004, 22 drivers have competed in Drive for Diversity, winning 28 races. The 2009 expansion from eight to 12 drivers comes two years after the program expanded to include teams in the Camping World Series. Congratulations to five TRACK CHICs who will be participating in this year's program!
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