Sarah Fisher finally found an engine deal for her IndyCar team, signing Friday with Honda for the 2012 season.
Fisher's team will field a car for rookie Josef Newgarden, last year's Indy Lights champion. He's scheduled to be on the grid for the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 25.
Fisher thanked fellow team owner Bobby Rahal for helping the deal come together. Rahal originally had the rights to two Honda engine lease agreements this season, but does not plan to get his second team onto the grid until the Indianapolis 500. That opened the door for Fisher's team to resolve its uncertain engine situation.
''Bobby once again personified the definition of a gentleman and sportsman, remembering how we helped his son Graham,'' said Fisher, who allowed Rahal's son to run four races in her car in 2010.
''This is a wonderful example of paying it forward.''
A spokesman for Rahal's team confirmed the team owner is still working to add a second car by Indianapolis, the fifth race of the season.
''When Bobby kindly offered to forego his second full season lease in order to ensure that Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing could be on the grid from the start of the season, we were happy to be able to help facilitate the matter,'' said Steve Eriksen, vice president of Honda Performance Development.
''We're pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Sarah Fisher and her new team and look forward to a successful rookie year from Josef following on the heels of his 2011 Indy Lights championship.''
