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Pippa Mann’s Indy 500 program official as #GetInvolved launches

Pippa2016

Although it’s been highly expected and anticipated since December, Pippa Mann’s program for the 100th Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil has been officially confirmed on Monday.

Mann will attempt to qualify for her fifth Indianapolis 500, and fourth straight with Dale Coyne Racing in the team’s No. 63 Honda. She’ll return with engineer Rob Ridgely, and will serve as the most experienced driver on Coyne’s team. Conor Daly and Bryan Clauson have qualified for two Indianapolis 500s apiece and Luca Filippi, who’s expected to continue, will be an Indy rookie this year.

Her 2016 Pink #GetInvolved campaign launches as well, which sees Mann work tirelessly to raise funds for Susan G. Komen, and sport a pink helmet to go along with her pink car.

“This cause is something very personal to me, and to Dale Coyne Racing,” she said in a release. “While racing a pink car the past two years certainly attracts attention and awareness for Susan G. Komen, the most important part of our partnership is taking this amazing stage that is the Indianapolis 500, and using it to raise money that can actually go towards care and research.

“Over the past two years, we’ve raised over a $100,000 through activities surrounding the racing program that support Komen’s mission, including the 2015 campaign; and we’re hoping to double last year’s goal this year!”

The 2016 campaign, which launched today, May 2, is looking to raise $100,000. For those who wish to donate, there are a variety of support packs available. These include new artwork from Doug Garrison, the return of the “Turn the Cockpit Pink” option, a total run of 300 “Pippa” Bell mini helmets — 100 of which will be signed and available via the campaign — as well as her signed helmet and suit that she’ll be wearing during this year’s event.

Last year, the campaign raised $61,150 for the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer.

“Pippa has been a tireless advocate for our mission to end breast cancer and the funds she has raised are helping to fund research and serve women facing this disease. We are grateful to her and the Indy 500 family for their life-saving support,” said Dr. Judy Salerno, Komen president and CEO.

In addition to representing Komen, Mann has recently welcomed new partner Genetic Technologies Limited (Nasdaq: GENE), a molecular diagnostics company specializing in women’s health, and provider of BREVAGenplus®, a first-in-class, clinically validated risk assessment test for sporadic breast cancer. The BREVAGenplus logo will also be featured on her car.

Mann also reflected on her thanks and commitment to the Coynes, who’ve taken her in and really welcomed her as part of the family.

“I’m so happy to be confirmed for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with Dale Coyne Racing. I fell in love with the Indy 500 when I saw it live for the first time in 2009, and it’s always such a special event to be part of,” said Mann. “Dale Coyne Racing has been my home now for the past three seasons at this race, and I am so thankful for the support and opportunities I have had with Dale and Gail’s team.”

Follow @TonyDiZinno