Contact: Bob Klein
414-760-5804, BKlein@directsupply.com
MILWAUKEE – The employee-owners of Direct Supply and their families today welcomed Sarah Fisher, owner of Sarah Fisher Racing (SFR), and IZOD IndyCar® Series driver Ed Carpenter of the SFR #67 car to a company picnic at Direct Supply’s headquarters in the northwest corner of Milwaukee.
Fisher was the first woman racing team owner, and a driver who earned numerous awards and “firsts” before stepping out of the driver’s seat in November, 2010 to start a family. Now in its fourth season, SFR signed Ed Carpenter (Carpenter), to drive in the team’s IZOD IndyCar® Series races this season.
Carpenter, an Indianapolis-based driver, was a short track racer in the United States Auto Club (USAC) midget, sprint and Silver Crown Series before becoming a regular on the IZOD IndyCar® Series circuit in 2003. Carpenter will drive the Direct Supply-sponsored SFR #67 car when IZOD IndyCar® Series racing returns to the Milwaukee Mile on Sunday, June 19.
“I am very excited about going back to Milwaukee, not only because of the strong relationship between Sarah Fisher Racing and Direct Supply, but also because of the opportunity to race at this legendary track,” Carpenter remarked enthusiastically. “To be able to go up there sponsored by a local company and to work with Bob Hillis, who has been a family friend for a long time, is tremendous. I am really excited to have a strong showing in front of the Milwaukee crowd!”
SFR owner Sarah Fisher remarked, “I am thrilled to welcome Direct Supply as our primary partner for the Milwaukee race. Being one of the first supporters of SFR in 2008, when we were in a major growing stage at the Indianapolis 500, Direct Supply has continued with unwavering support of our team and with our driver, Ed Carpenter.
“We have been in the wings, watching the Milwaukee race at the start of SFR, and with its return this season we are excited to be a part of this historic event.”
Bob Hillis, CEO and founder of Direct Supply, said, “The employee-owners of Direct Supply have been thrilled with our long association with Sarah and her team. As the first woman car owner, she has shown tremendous spirit and accomplishment. Now that she has added our good friend Ed Carpenter as driver of the Dollar General/Direct Supply car, we are excited to get the opportunity to bring the team to Milwaukee as part of our family.”
Direct Supply is a privately held, employee-owned company started in 1985. The company is the largest supplier of equipment and related services for nursing homes, assisted living centers and retirement communities in the U.S. It also operates the nation’s largest supply chain eCommerce network for those customers. The company is a major employer of graduates from the MSOE, Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin system.
For more information on Sarah Fisher and Sarah Fisher Racing, please visit http://www.sarahfisherracing.com. You can also follow Sarah on Twitter @sarahfisher67.
