Pippa Mann has paired with Dale Coyne Racing to attempt to make her second start at the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
The team confirmed that the 29-year-old Mann will drive a Honda-powered Dallara as a teammate to Justin Wilson and Ana Beatriz. In 2011, Mann became the first British female (and eighth overall) to qualify for the race. She started 31st and finished 20th in a Conquest Racing entry.
“I’m delighted to be able to share this news,” said Mann, who recently has been an analyst on the IMS Radio Network’s broadcasts of Firestone Indy Lights races. “I actually first met Dale (Coyne) several years ago, before I came to the U.S., at what turned out to be the final Champ Car test at Sebring right before the open-wheel merger.
“We’ve sort of had an on-going conversation ever since then, and I actually got very close to getting in one of Dale’s cars on Bump Day last year. A year later, we’ve now put this program together, and I cannot wait to be back on track with Honda and running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.”
Mann, who won a Firestone Indy Lights race from the pole at Kentucky Speedway and earned the pole for the Firestone Freedom 100 at the Speedway in 2010, will participate in a refresher course on the 2.5-mile oval. Opening Day is May 11. Pole Day is May 18 and Race Day is May 26.
SOURCE: INDYCAR • PHOTO: Brian Groce