Sarah Fisher announces plans for Indoor Karting facility in Speedway
The multi-level karting facility is a privately owned investment by Fisher and her husband, Andy O'Gara. SIK will include a 14-turn road course with multiple elevation changes and a banked oval that will be sunk into the floor to enable viewing for spectators on both floors of the facility. A restaurant featuring American cuisine also will be included in the facility.
Speedway Indoor Karting is set to open in April 2016, just in time to celebrate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, and is expected to bring 35 to 40 new jobs to Speedway.
"I congratulate Sarah and Andy for their vision and tenacity to translate a personal passion for auto racing into a successful business venture," Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann said. "Sarah's success as a race car driver, their ownership of an IndyCar team and now this new endeavor make them model Hoosier entrepreneurs."
The multi-level road course will be viewable from the glass frontage of the building, just blocks from the current CFH Racing IndyCar shop. CFH Racing, co-owned by Fisher, earned its first IndyCar victory April 26 with driver Josef Newgarden.
In a simultaneous motion, the kart tracks will operate independently and will use Sodikarts, the No. 1 kart manufacturer in the world. SIK will have karts on hand for all skill levels. A competitive league for junior karters will provide an ideal, affordable introduction into motorsports for aspiring racers.
"Andy and I have many goals for Speedway Indoor Karting, all of which are driven toward providing our community, fans and anyone interested in our sport with a destination here in Speedway where they may experience first-class, hands-on racing," Fisher said. "We want our customers to leave educated and passionate about returning to our community here in Speedway.
"It is a privilege to have fans who are willing to give us their time, and for that, we want to build on the destination that the Town of Speedway is developing here, especially as a neighbor to the most iconic speedway in the world. There is so much to share about our sport, about karting, the science, the math and the technology, and you can't forget the social fun!
"Starting my own team in 2008 and taking it to where it is today has only begun the learning process for our small business ventures. And if we've learned one thing over the past eight years, it's that everyone who walks through our door, big or small, is important to your success."
Fisher married into the O'Gara family, known for its popular, family-operated Irish pub on the south side of, Indianapolis. But when Fisher was growing up, her grandparents owned the Grindell kart track in Richwood, Ohio, so it's only fitting this new facility includes a mixture of racing and cuisine.
The onsite restaurant will be called 1911 Grill, representing the year of the inaugural Indianapolis 500. 1911 Grill will feature family dining as well as multiple bar and entertainment areas and will include covered outdoor seating on both levels of the facility. Inside seating will include exceptional views of both kart tracks for patrons wishing to take in the exciting action.
"This has been something that Sarah and I have dreamed about for a long time," O'Gara said. "It really connects our passions outside the sport of IndyCar racing, and I can't tell you just how exciting it is to see it all come together. It is amazing just how much the Speedway Redevelopment Commission has been able to accomplish for the area in such a short amount of time. Sarah and I are thrilled to be a small part of that."
SIK will provide a superb racing experience for the everyday person and the diehard race fan, as well as the aspiring driver. The company also will maintain its focus with clear objectives and can cater to the many businesses that search for a fresh corporate hospitality and entertainment venue. SIK will offer multiple corporate hospitality and entertainment rooms outside of the 1911 Grill.
"This development fits perfectly with Speedway's history and reputation around racing and innovation," said Vince Noblet, president of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission. "For many drivers, go-karting ignited their passion for racing, and now Speedway gets to share that unique experience with everyone. It not only puts Speedway on the fast track for economic success, it also completes the fan experience."
Said David Lindsey, Speedway Town Council president: "Sarah Fisher's dedication to Speedway and its growth is valued by everyone in the community. The development of this new, state-of-the-art go-karting facility near the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway creates a unique experience for the community, and racing fans."