Pippa Mann will return to the Indianapolis 500 field for 2015, once again reuniting with Dale Coyne Racing and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, for this year’s race.
This will be her fourth 500, third with Coyne and second with Komen.
No car number was named in the release, but she has raced the No. 63 the last two years – a reverse of the No. 36 she had for her rookie run in 2011.
Mann has been active with Susan G. Komen in a number of events over the last year, and her second 500 with the organization was always something she was building towards.
“It was an honor last year to be able to partner with Susan G. Komen,” Mann said in a release. “By bringing Komen’s iconic images and colors to the Indy 500, we were able to promote its cause, while raising funds and awareness for Komen’s mission.”
While last year she had car experience dating to October 2013 at Auto Club Speedway and was only out of action for seven months, this year will mark a full calendar year since her last IndyCar appearance at last year’s 500. That’s meant an increased training regimen while outside the car.
“The last time I strapped into a race car may have been last May, but I feel very fortunate to have had such strong support from the Dale Coyne Racing team and from team owner Dale Coyne over the past 12 months. We are all thrilled to bring this pink program back for a second year running,” she said.
Mann’s first track action will come during the oval aero kit open test day on May 3.
“There is nothing that makes our team prouder than to represent Susan G. Komen and all of the hard work that goes into the organization’s efforts both in the U.S. and around the world,” Coyne said in the release. “Pippa is extremely dedicated to her efforts as a driver at Indy and we look forward to our continued success with this partnership.”
“Pippa’s passion for our cause inspires us all,” added Komen President and CEO Judy Salerno, M.D., M.S. “Whether on the track or out in the community, her commitment to raising awareness and funds brings us one step closer to a world without breast cancer.”
The team is likely to field three cars as they have each of the last two years. Mann is confirmed alongside full-season driver Carlos Huertas, with a third driver of the team’s No. 19 car to be determined.
