Mann Posts Strong Showing in Indy After Long Layoff

Pippa Mann

Pippa Mann made her return to a Verizon IndyCar after nearly a year layoff and seemed to get up to speed without much reacclimation. Honda HPD’s introduction of their speedway aero kit this week was another hurdle the veteran British driver had to clear. She did so with impressive results and positive feedback from Team Owner Dale Coyne and from rest of the team.

Mann logged a total of 69 laps during opening day for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and, together with the Dale Coyne Racing engineering team, gathered a lot of valuable data that will be used throughout the month.

Out of 28 cars that took part in the oval practice, Mann registered the 16th fastest speed overall with a 223.886 mile per hour average lap. Even more impressive, she had a top 10 quick lap of those that were not aided by a teammate or other competitor’s tow. This aerodynamic aid can add several MPH to an average lap speed and give the false impression of a faster setup compared to those without a tow.

“(It) was a really good day for Pippa. In fact, I think it was a great day for having not driven a car in about a year," said Dale Coyne. “We are all looking forward to the additional track time this month and giving Pippa the opportunity to get even faster."

Mann could hardly hold back her excitement after a day for which she has been working so hard to make sure would come in 2015. “It's great to be reunited and continue the strong relationship with my team at Dale Coyne Racing," said Mann. “I'm pretty happy with our performance on day 1 since we were able to get over 223 miles per hour."

Never forgetting one of the reasons the No. 63 car is on track this month, Mann added, “It was also great to get the INDIEGOGO logos on the pink IndyCar and out on track today for people to see because our partnership with INDIEGOGO is so important to help us raise money in the fight to end breast cancer forever."

Supporters of Mann and of Susan G. Komen are encouraged to visit www.pippamann.com/getinvolved to make contributions where donors to the cause will be eligible for perks, including Komen wristbands and koozies, special T-shirts, caps donated by Honda and Firestone, garage tours, a Race with Pippa night at Fastimes Karting, new exclusive Doug Garrison Artwork, and Bell mini helmets painted by Pippa's Indy 500 helmet painter.