PIPPA MANN QUALIFIES FOR THE INDIANAPOLIS 500

Indianapolis, IN (Sunday, 22 May, 2011) - Pippa Mann has become the first British female driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. The 27 year-old from Ipswich in the UK will line-up on the 11th and final row of the grid for the 100th anniversary of the 500-mile race, after qualifying the #36 Conquest Racing entry in 32nd position.
 
Mann failed to make the 33-car field on the first day on qualifications, which left her vying with 14 other drivers for the nine remaining places. Bump Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was certain to be busy, especially with rain forecast to fall right in the middle of the qualifications.

The British driver was able to complete a four-lap qualifying run before the weather called a halt to proceedings, with a fastest average speed of 233.936 mph which was quick enough to
provisionally get her into the field.
 
With just over an hour left, the track went green, allowing several cars to make their final attempts to qualify. Mann and the Conquest Racing team headed back out to pitlane and were ready to go back out should their position need defending - but it never came to that.

As the minutes went by it became clear that Mann had earned her place in this year’s Indy 500
field, and when the session finally came to an end, the rookie driver’s 32nd position was confirmed.
 
Speaking about the qualifications, Mann said: “We were struggling yesterday for speed and were extremely disappointed with our run yesterday - we knew it wasn’t going to be enough to qualify. We had the car completely apart last night – the team re-built the gearbox and put a new engine init and we barely made warm-up this morning. We made a few little changes, put it in line for qualifying and it worked.”

Conquest Racing team owner Eric Bachelart said: “It’s very mixed feelings having one car in the show and the other not make it, but it’s not for the lack of trying. We are looking forward to a goodrace for Pippa, and hoping she wins Chase Rookie of the Year. This is her first race in an IndyCar, and we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us so we’re going to be very busy this week.”
 
Looking ahead to the race, Mann added: “Overall I’m just so excited to be racing in the Indy 500, but I think relief is the overwhelming feeling after the last two days that we’ve had. Thursday and Friday were so strong for us and the speed just seemed to slip away when it mattered. This is the first time I’ve allowed myself to genuinely think about race day, and we have some work to do now!
 
I’m the only rookie to qualify who is currently just running here in Indianapolis and not the entire season - I haven’t even done a pitstop yet! But I’m just so thrilled to be part of this race and making the field is an achievement that I’m incredibly proud of. It was not an easy feat, so a huge thank you to the team and everyone who has supported me and helped us get to this point – it’s a fantastic feeling.”
 
The 2011 Indianapolis 500 will start at 12:00 p.m./ET on Sunday 29th May.

For further information or images please contact Hannah Griffiths at Palindrome SportsTel: +44 (0)7815 176587 / Email: Hannah@palindromesports.co.uk

SIMONA DE SILVESTRO INVOLVED IN CRASH AT IMS

Indianapolis, IN - May 19, 2011  Shortly after taking to the track for Indy 500 praxtice on Thursday afternoon, Simona de Silvestro was involved in a tremendous crash, which injured her hands and destroyed her primary %78 Nuclean Clean Air Energy car.

After being taken to the track's medical center, the official update came from Dr. Michael Olinger, INDYCAR Medical Director:

"Simona de Silvestro is awake and alert, and being transported by ground to Methodist Hospital for further evaluation of second-degree burns to her right hand and superficial burns to her left hand."

De Silvestro was released from Methodist Hospital at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and another evaluation will take place on Friday morning. In the meantime, the team is busy preparing the back-up car in preparation for her return.

A press conference will take place on Friday morning at 11:15 a.m. in the Media Center at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to include press availability and additional updates on de Silvestro's condition. 

About HVM Racing
HVM Racing was founded by Keith Wiggins and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. HVM enters 2011 as its tenth year of competition since forming in 2001 and has earned six victories, two pole positions, and an additional 16 podiums. They earned "Indianapolis Rookie of the Year" honors with driver Simona De Silvestro at the 2010 event and since joining the IZOD INDYCAR Series in 2008, the team has earned nine top-10 finishes. HVM finished fourth and third, respectively, in the Champ Car World Series in 2006 and 2007, and earned drivers Mario Dominguez and Robert Doornbos Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and 2007, respectively. Follow HVM Racing at www.hvmracing.com, on twitter at www.twitter.com/HVMracing, and on facebook at www.facebook.com/HVMRacing.
 
About Entergy
Entergy is the second largest owner and operator of U.S. nuclear energy plants. They operate or provide management services to 12 reactors at 10 sites. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity and delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and more than 15,000 employees.www.entergy-nuclear.com
 
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RESPECT. HOPE. OPPORTUNITY. PREPARATION

Track Chic was privileged to celebrate THE SEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN IN THE WINNER's CIRCLE AWARDS CEREMONY with Lyn St. James, a special tribute to the significant accomplishments and bright future for women in racing. It was great to see favorite Track Chics from prior years, including Megan Reitenour, Tiffany Daniels, Samantha Taylor, Brandie Jass and Natalie Fenaroli and share their success stories from the last time we met.

Many new faces were visible at this year’s awards ceremony, including Alesi Gerthe, the 2008 highest nationally ranked female in IHRA Quick Rod, and Simona de Silvestro who currently holds the points lead in the Mazda Atlantic Championship Series.

All women shared that same fierce determination to succeed in the sport they love … and their parents shared immense pride for their daughters’ enormous accomplishments. Their stories were inspiring and illustrated just how far women have come in motorsports today.

It was equally inspiring to be surrounded by the support of notables in the industry, including Mike Helton, President NASCAR, Tom Compton, President NHRA, John Saunders, President International Speedway Corp., Joie Chitwood, then President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Max Siegel, The 909 Group/NASCAR Drive For Diversity Program, and so many others. Their commitment and support will help change the face of the future of motorsports.

While currently the number of female drivers competing in the elite series is limited, we are making progress. Although NASCAR currently has no women racing in the Sprint Cup Series, there are some real powerhouses coming up through the ranks, with Laura Hayes, Emily Sue Steck, Katie Hagar, Megan Reitenour, Tiffany Daniels, Natalie Sather and Mackena Bell currently tearing up the tracks with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program.

IndyCar boasts three women behind the wheels: Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick and Milka Duno. Of the three, only Danica Patrick races full time. However, Sarah Fisher has made history as the first female to drive and own an IRL team. It was great to talk with Sarah at the ceremony; she is a role model - as both an athlete and an entrepreneur - for so many women competing today.

NHRA, however, has been putting women in the winner’s circle for decades. NHRA boasts 43 women who have raced in the top series since the 1970’s, with 11 pickup wins in the top tier of Drag Racing. Two of the series most recognizable faces are women, Ashley Force Hood and Hillary Will. Thirty years ago, it was Shirley Muldowney that became the first in the top drag racing series to capture three consecutive season titles. "She did that before any man had done that," said veteran NHRA Driver Melanie Troxel, also attending the event. "I think we were a little ahead of other motorsports."

The LSJ Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation remains dedicated to continuing to train, advocate and educate for diversity in racing. To date, the Foundation has trained more than 250 women drivers from 38 states and five countries through their Driver Development Academy. With a commitment to Respect, Hope, Opportunity and Preparation, there will be many, many more. To learn more about how you can participate, visit: http://www.lynstjames.com

 

BELLINIS, FLAPJACKS AND FRANKFURTERS!

Memorial Day Weekend is without a doubt one of my favorite weekends. Starting with racing’s pinnacle event, the Grand Prix de Monaco, it’s a champagne start to a weekend of non-stop racing … and food!

You can’t enjoy Monaco’s Grand Prix without first enjoying a few luscious Peach Bellinis from the famed Hotel Du Cap, in nearby Cap D’Antibes. Known for its celebrity clientele, gourmet menus and luxurious surroundings, Hotel du Cap sits only 17 miles from the picturesque Principality. With its winding narrow streets, hairpin turns, and elevation shifts, the Circuit de Monaco is considered the ultimate test of a driver’s skills. For the fans, the event is a blur of speed, sea views and celebrity – an event unmatched by any other.

How often do you mingle over cocktails with Robin Williams, John Travolta, Cuba Gooding, Jr., HRH Prince Albert and others – my husband even sang opera in the hotel’s mensroom with Paul Sorvino! This is the fun of Monaco’s Grand Prix, and the power of Hotel du Cap's famous Peach Bellinis!

Luckily, the drivers are tucked away quietly as they prepare for the biggest race of the season. It will be interesting to see if the miracle workers are able to pull off another win for Brawn GP that the Honda Team never could. I love it when the underdogs are victorious – and relieved that the “diffuser gang’s” technical regs comply with The FIA’s applicable regulations.

Back in the states the INDY 500 cranks its engines soon after the F1 Victor’s anthem is celebrated on the podium in Monaco – and you know what that means, PANCAKES!

In addition to the Indy 500’s famous “Flapjacks at the Track” the event bills itself as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tailgating”. Zillions of enthusiastic fans pride themselves in creative food (and drink!) concoctions. More exotic offerings include Mango Jalapeno Slaw and Barbecued Catfish Sandwiches, while aromas of Andouille Stuffed Porkloins, Mocha Java Rubbed Grilled Sirloins, and Hickory Smoked Ribs tempt the appetites of hungry fans. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers and funnel cakes for the traditionalists ...

…but if it’s Hot Dogs that really rev your engine, nobody does it better than NASCAR! The Coca Cola 600 oval shaped quarter-mile grill at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend definitely takes the checkered flag. Assembled on the racetrack’s frontstretch and pit road, the girl will be manned by celebrity chef and Food Network star, Tyler Florence, host of “Tyler’s Ultimate” and author of “Dinner at My Place” and “Stirring the Pot”. Joining Chef Florence will be some of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, including Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and racing legend Bobby Allison.

Thousands of families will also celebrate speed and smorgasbords trackside at their favorite local dirt tracks, drag strips and Quarter Midget Tracks.

So “CHEERS!" to all the race fans and food fans!
This is our weekend for Track Chics to crank up the grills and cheer our favorite drivers to the finish line … no matter what track, country, circuit or driver … Memorial Day Race Weekend promises something for all the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and faithful fans to celebrate our passion for Speed, Sisterhood and smokin' summertime grills!

Bon Appetit et Bon Courage!

(Images courtesy of Alpha-B-fr and Worth Canoy)