Suffolk’s Pippa Mann will race in Indy 500 later – here’s all you need to know

Pippa Mann at the 2014 Indy 500. Photo: Contributed (Image: Archant)

Who is Pippa Mann?

The 33-year-old grew up near Leiston and fell in love with racing when attending a birthday party at an Ipswich indoor karting track at the age of 13. She progressed to racing outdoors at Beccles.

At the age of 17 she moved to Italy to race karts professionally, working as a pizza waitress to pay the bills. Makes a name for herself in Formula Renault before moving to the USA to pursue a career in IndyCar racing in 2009.

Makes her Indy500 debut in 2001, becoming the first British woman ever to qualify. Has finished 20th, 30th, 24th, 22nd and 18th in the iconic race.

Pippa Mann during the press conference for the Indianapolis 500. Photo: Contributed (Image: Archant)

Mann, who races in an eye-catching pink and white car, has raised more than $100,000 for breast cancer charities.

• It’s a Mann’s world – our big interview with Pippa back in 2008

The Indy500

Held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, this open-wheel formula has been dubbed ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’. Cars race 500 miles around an oval track averaging speeds in excess of 200mph. More than 250,000 people pack the stands, while millions watch on television.

There’s added interest in the race this year as Fernando Alonso has opted to race here instead of in F1’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Qualifying

Qualifying is known as ‘Fast Friday’. Mann’s average lap speed of 230.103 mph in the No. 63 Dale Coyne Racing Honda makes her the first woman to break the 230 mph barrier around Indianapolis Motor Speedway,

She’ll start 28th on a grid of 33. Alonso starts in fifth position.

What time is it on?

The race starts at a rather specific 5.19pm UK time and should last around three hours. It will be shown live on BT Sport ESPN. Coverage starts at 4.30pm.