After the December 2011 unveiling of its plan to build a state-of-the-art headquarters for its IZOD IndyCar Series operation, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) staff watched construction crews begin work Tuesday at the site of its new building, which will sit in the shadows of Turn 1 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The new building will be located on a revitalized Main Street in Speedway, Ind., which is rapidly becoming a popular address for both motorsports and non-motorsports businesses. IndyCar chassis manufacturer Dallara just moved into its massive U.S. headquarters in a new building that is also home to the IndyRacing Experience in addition to a coffee and sandwich shop.

“The excitement of the location is infectious at all levels of our organization, knowing that we are the team next door to the greatest spectacle in racing,” said Fisher.

In the last six months, several other businesses have been attracted to Speedway’s Main Street for the same reason as Fisher. An Indy Lights team, a marketing/PR firm, a yogurt shop and gourmet pizza restaurant have all also located there.

The new SFHR facility will have areas for fans to visit, which also helps the Town of Speedway with its goal of making Speedway a year-round tourist destination.

“The new SFHR headquarters in Speedway will allow us the ability to further include our fans and promote our team as it grows into the future,” said Hartman. “Having a gift shop and interaction areas on top of a first class business center and training facilities will contribute to the support of our current and future partners as well as demonstrate our long term goals to everyone who walks through the front door. It will be a vital asset to our team as we look into the future. We are appreciative of the opportunity to be neighbors to the most spectacular facility, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and look forward to further growing our relationship with our direct neighbor and partner, Dallara.”

While location is important to Fisher and Hartman, positioning their organization to help it become a top-tiered competitive team at every race is the primary purpose for the new facility.

“We look to really increase the competition side of our team after moving several departments of our everyday preparation under one roof,” said Fisher. “I am very grateful for the opportunity that our partner, Wink Hartman, has given us to expand in this capacity. It will certainly enhance the ability to deliver an on-track product that rolls off the trailer ready to win races.”