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Five Women Will Try to Qualify For The Indy 500

For the first time in history, five women could be in the field for the May 30, Indianapolis 500.

Three of the women, Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick and Milka Duno, are veterans of at least three previous “500’s,” while two, Ana Beatriz and Simona De Silvestro are rookies.

While Fisher was competing in her first Indy 500 in 2000, it was the last for Lyn St. James, who ran in seven races from 1992-2000. That was the first year more than one woman qualified for the Indy 500.

The first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, Janet Guthrie, is pleased to see so many women in the field. The three-time starter (1977-’79) has followed the careers of the women in this year’s field.

“Simona (De Silvestro) has shown a lot of talent and so has Ana Beatriz. My impression of Ana Beatriz is she really knows what she is doing. She is very capable,” Guthrie said.

Beatriz commented that she think this is the first time she has raced with so many other women. “On the track, we all feel like drivers. We’re all the same. Off the track, it’s interesting,” she said.

Guthrie has followed, and advised, Fisher during her career transition to a driver/team owner. “She certainly has her hands full as an owner/driver, and I keep my fingers crossed for her all the time,” added Guthrie.

“I’m very glad to see it. I thought it was going to take longer than that. I’ll be watching with great interest, for sure,” she concluded.

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