Fisher adds road courses to schedule

Fisher had only been confirmed for the 12 oval events when her deal to return to the series was announced earlier this year, but the team have decided to run a full schedule for their second car after her performances in pre-season testing.

Team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said: "Sarah tested for the first time on a road course in an IndyCar after the Homestead test and really proved herself and her abilities.

"She really impressed us, and because of this we are making a commitment to put all of our efforts behind her."

While Fisher was the first female to take pole position for an oval race in 2002, this year she will make her first ever IndyCar Series start on a road course at St. Petersburg on April 1.

However, she does have experience of road courses in other categories, and she is looking forward to contesting the full schedule this season.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to also be competing on the road courses," she said. "I've never had so much fun in my life."

The team still do not have a complete budget for their second car, but team co-owner Robbie Buhl believes that Fisher deserves the opportunity.

"Sarah has worked harder than she ever has before, so she has earned this position," he said. "We are in a great position with her car, and we have three-fourths of the budget covered. We need to get $1.5 million to round out our budget."