Even though she's just 26, it seems like Sarah Fisher has been around the Indy Racing League forever. That's what happens when you bust into the bigs at age 19.
A lot has changed for Sarah since first getting into the car for Derrick Walker nearly eight years ago.
When she blew by Eliseo Salazar to get second at Homstead in 2001, (prompting Salazar team boss AJ Foyt to radio to Eliseo: "You just got passed by a girl!") the racing world hit the rev limiter about its new star.
A story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, on May 25, 2001, captured Fisher Fever:
Yes, Fisher is pleased to be making a living at the highest level of her profession at the tender age of 20. The adoration of the fans, the front-page stories and the mentions on the network news are flattering. And the notion that she's a trail-blazer isn't all bad.
But don't suggest she can be to women in auto racing what Tiger Woods has been to minorities in golf. "Oh, jeez, no," Fisher said (May 24, 2001) after the final practice for her second Indianapolis 500 start.
"I don't want to be compared to Tiger Woods. "He dominates. That guy goes out and dominates. He wins every tournament he's in. I'm not to that level yet. I haven't won a race (in the Indy Racing League); I've been in this sport for a year."
Five years later and Sarah and is still looking for her first win. There's a new starlet in town and Sarah has made more than one lap around racing's mean streets. Although her autograph lines are still long and she still gets that "I want to be like you" look from little girls, the 2007 Sarah is Fisher 8.0, a rebooted, more mature, experience, long-view version of the alleged Tigress Woods of racing that once blew the men's room doors off high-testosterone tracks.
Shortly after inking an oval-only 2007 contract with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Sarah went on record with pressdog about life, gender and the visions of Indy 500 championships that run through her head.
pressdog: Fans get all frothed up about "Silly Season." Is it nightmareish for drivers? Was it a big relief for you when DRR announced you're in for 2007?
Sarah: The off season is a roller coaster of ups and downs. Racing will always have an extreme of good and bad days. It’s been emotional throughout the years, but at least I now know what to expect. It’s always a relief to finally know what your plans are for the year.
pressdog: You've been around DRR in years past, is it different around there this year? New energy, etc.? Give us a flavor of the DRR hauler.
Sarah: The dynamic of a team, organization or company always changes when people come and go. Racing is no different. Racing is very much a team sport. It takes a team to win. Engineers, pit crews, owners, mechanics, everyone. Our new guys are top-notch and I'm very excited to learn from them and to help them make our cars better. There is always an exciting energy at DRR. We’re a small family, but we think smart.
pressdog: What's been the biggest change in you since you busted into the bigs in 1999?
Sarah: I've obviously grown up a lot. I'm not 19 years old any more and I've matured as a racer, as an athlete and as an adult.
pressdog: Coming out of turn four and headed toward the green at Homestead (or any other track), what goes through your mind?
Sarah: It's really a lot of different questions and reactions to those answers. At that point, there is no time left to be emotional or think outside of the race car. Heading towards the green, I am all business.
pressdog: Do you think about the danger of what you do or is it another day at the office?
Sarah: I would hate to think what my thought process would be if I did get hurt. Obviously, I have taken the right precautions to support myself if it did happen. At this point, I am still young and fearless and not worried about it other then being prepared if something did happen.
pressdog: What's Robbie "Incredi" Buhl like as a team owner?
Sarah: Robbie as a driver has helped Robbie as an owner. He's worn both hats. He is very focused on making sure everything makes business sense and develops results as a consequence.
pressdog: What are your goals for the year with DRR?
Sarah: I’d really like to be in the top-10 in the points standing at the end of the season and get my first win in the IndyCar Series. It is all about finishing consecutively in the top-five, finishing every lap and not taking yourself out for something stupid.
pressdog: Homestead is the site of your second-place finish (in 2001). What do you think of the track?
Sarah: It has changed since I was there that year. It used to be flat and a driver's place to shine, but now it is more banked and can allow for more to be taken away from the car. Both car and driver are a balance there. It will be a great place to race at night.
pressdog: Are you disappointed not to be doing the road/street races this year?
Sarah: I definitely want to drive the street and road courses. Most of the karting I have done has been road courses and a lot of the theories and techniques translate to the big cars. I’ve been working out and practicing on road courses in my shifter kart and at Skip Barber during the off season. But at the end of the day, Dennis Reinbold will make the decision on what he thinks is best for his team. I respect that. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given and I’ll always give it my all when I’m on the track, no matter what kind of track that is.
pressdog: What's your normal strategy in a race? Get up front if you can? Lay low and shake the car down to set up a late attack?
Sarah: Anymore, there are no waiting games. The IndyCar series requires that you go full bore all the time.
pressdog: Do you get tired of answering questions centering on your gender?
Sarah: If answering a wealth of questions will help with more exposure for our series, I am happy to do it. Everyone benefits when the series becomes more popular. During my entire racing career, I have never emphasized the fact that I am female. This attitude has been well respected by all of the competitors that I have raced against all the way to the IRL IndyCar Series and in the NASCAR West Series. I am not in the sport to illustrate or grow the 'power of women.' My entire focus is on winning races and being the best at what I do. Being young in the sport is wonderful! It gives me a lot more time to gain experience and compete successfully in the sport. When you are young, it is much easier to stay on top of the training required and quicker reflexes are also a help.
pressdog: You seem kind of low-key off the track is that what you're like on the track? Or do you Hulk out once in the car?
Sarah: It has taken a long time to learn about patience. I still lack it, but my mannerisms off track certainly translate to a calm thought process but an aggressive driving technique on the track.
pressdog: What's the first thing you would do after winning the 500?
Sarah: SMILE, drink some milk, hug my dad and mom, (fiance') Andy and everyone
I saw that has helped me get there. It takes a lot to accomplish that
feat including boundless luck. My approach is kind of like a MasterCard commercial: Making the trip to the track to promote our team $650. Finding the right uniform to wear $1500. Smiling at everyone who makes
eye contact -- priceless.
pressdog: Is it true pressdog.com is your favorite blog?
I’ve really enjoyed reading pressdog and I really appreciate the support! Bloggin’ is the new thing and of course you are a favorite of ours. I think the guys on the team get the biggest kick out of it.
High fives and mega props to the guys in the DRR hauler and garage. You're all highly sidepod worthy. Here's to fast times in 2007.
Great interview PD. That's a lot of humility and maturity for a 26 year old, let alone one that gets as much media hounding as she does.
Posted by: Johnny | February 07, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Good interview. I think it will be good to have Sarah back. Sounds like she has a good perspective on life. Plus, she's a heck of a lot better role model for my kid than the other IRL woman.
Posted by: Tom | February 07, 2007 at 02:30 PM
I am really glad Sarah is going to be driving at the top of some series this year. I had my fingers crossed for something in NASCAR -- but IRL will do for now. Welcome Back Sarah!
Posted by: Patrick | February 07, 2007 at 03:16 PM
PressDude,
If I remember correctly, then this must have been the dream interview for you. Congrats!
Sorry, You prolly need some alone time now...
G.
Posted by: G. | February 08, 2007 at 12:42 PM
"Smiling at everyone who makes eye contact -- priceless." I can attest to that. A few years ago I attended the 500 parade and the Corvette that Sarah was riding in stopped right in front of me. When Sarah saw me wearing my Sarah Fisher hat and t-shirt she gave a big smile, that important eye contact, and two big thumbs up! That day she made a fan for life. I'm still kicking myself for not asking Sarah to autograph my hat! Good luck, Sarah, it is just fabulous to have you back in IRL.
Posted by: Jeff Reeb | February 15, 2007 at 10:38 PM