Quaker Chemical Races into the Motor City with Rising Star Newgarden

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Jun 01, 2012, 06:12 ET

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The IZOD IndyCar Series returns to Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan this Sunday, June 3, 2012, after a three year absence for the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Quaker Chemical, an official sponsor and technical partner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) supports the #67 SFHR entry of rookie driver Josef Newgarden as he seeks to continue his impressive debut season.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120601/PH17694 )

Although Quaker Chemical is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, the Motor City is a second home to Quaker since the company is a leading supplier of a range of premium lubricants, coolants, hydraulic fluids, and greases that provide a "start to finish" solution for the world's leading automotive manufacturers.

"Quaker has a long-standing relationship with the automotive industry and we are extremely excited to bring this technology to the IZOD IndyCar Series," said Joe Berquist, Quaker VP and Managing Director North America. "Our partnership with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing builds on more than 90 years of technology leadership. Quaker is focused on one goal: creating more value for our customers."

Newgarden made headlines in practice and his qualifying trials for the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2012, by posting the fastest speed on three of six practice days and putting the only Honda-powered car into the Fast Nine final segment of Pole Day time trials. Newgarden ultimately recorded the 7th fastest time, setting a start on the inside of row three, ahead of many IndyCar veterans.

The tight and twisty 2.1 mile, 14-turn Belle Isle circuit, offers a unique racing experience to the IndyCar drivers in contrast to the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. "I'm interested to see what happens, because I think it feels weird going into a street circuit after being on an oval for a long time. Everything you're doing in the car feels completely different. Now that things are back to a street circuit setting it takes a while to feel normal," said Newgarden.

Newgarden is ready for the challenge, he notes that, "You've got to give yourself four to five laps to re-adjust to the street circuit feel. I think we'll be able to adjust really quickly as a team, but I think it will be interesting to see which teams get on top of it the quickest."

The 2012 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, June 3rd and will be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 3:30 PM ET.

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About Quaker Chemical Corporation:

Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialties, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries -including steel, aluminum, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings and construction materials. Quaker's products, technical solutions, and chemical management services enhance customers' processes, improve their product quality, and lower costs. Quaker's headquarters is located near Philadelphia in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. For more information on Quaker Chemical, visit www.quakerchem.com

About Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing:

Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) was established in 2008 and is owned by former driver Sarah Fisher, the youngest woman ever to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the first woman to run a full IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, and businessman Wink Hartman. SFHR has competed in the IZOD IndyCar Series since 2008, earning its first victory in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway.

SOURCE Quaker Chemical Corporation