Pippa Proves Her Worth, While Justin Improves His

Pippa Mann

Long Pond, Pennsylvania – Both Dale Coyne Racing drivers improved their standings today at IndyCar’s fabled return to the 2.5 mile oval that is Pocono Raceway.

After a 24 year hiatus from this historic track in the Pocono Mountains, both Pippa Mann and Justin Wilson would show their worth in this difficult and tricky triangle oval.

Pippa Mann, in just her third race of the year had a solid weekend. She would run ever session on Saturday including qualifying just a tic faster than her team mate Justin Wilson.

“The guys gave me a great car this weekend, and I have to say this is a pretty tricky place to figure out," commented Pippa. “Once we got to the race we all had learned a lot more about this oval and I think it showed in the performance of the entire team today."

Pippa would start in 22nd for today’s race and ran strong all day to finish a season best of 15th, in front of several other seasoned IndyCar winners.

“Pippa really showed her worth and that she belongs in this sport," reported Team Owner Dale Coyne. “Pippa will be returning to complete the Triple Crown of events at Fontana later this year, and after her performance here today in a very short season, she has shown great promise for the future."

Justin Wilson’s weekend did not start as he hoped. “We have looked for speed all weekend," said Wilson. “We made small improvements, but so did everyone else. Finally after changes on the first two pit stops the car was pretty good and we were able to pull a good finish."

Justin started 23rd in Boy Scouts of America #19 and in the final half of the race would vastly improve to score another top ten finish, finishing 7th overall. The finish improves his season long point total with a move up the ladder to 8th in the Championship.

Pocono would turn out to be a highly successful race as large enthusiastic crowds welcomed the IndyCar set back to this racing heritage area of the east. “It was great to see all of these fans here today," commented former IndyCar driver Dale Coyne. “It has been so long since we have been here I was driving last time we were here in 1989."

The team now prepares for a short trip to Toronto, Ontario, Canada for next week’s long running Toronto Indy.