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Sam Schmidt Motorsports pilot, Pippa Mann, made history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday by becoming the first female pole winner in Firestone Indy Lights history, and in the history of the Speedway. Her pole winning time was 1:35.7505 over the two laps for an average of 187.989 mph, just ahead of teammate Wade Cunningham’s 187.742 mph. This is a fantastic turn around for Pippa who’s had a frustrating mid-pack season thus far starting last at St. Pete and running only six laps at St. Pete, starting and finishing in 12th at Barber, and starting 12th to finish 8th at Long Beach. Her season last year with Panther Racing was tough, and hopes were that with the move to Sam Schmidt Motorsports would see Pippa move up significantly on the speed charts this season. Looks like things have finally turned around, and she’s found the speed we’ve all hoped she would.On the other end of the spectrum, some drivers that we’ve seen leading the charge in other rounds this season find themselves struggling around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. James Hinchcliffe of Team Moore Racing finds himself back in 8th, and the Miracle Man, Sebastian Saavedra who found himself in the hospital and in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race after a crazy Bump Day, turned in a very lack luster time qualifying in 12th position.
Racing is always very different than qualifying, but things are pointing to a very good day for Pippa Mann and Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Pippa races for her first win in Firestone Indy Lights, and Wade Cunningham seeks to be the first three-time winner the Carb Day Classic. Here’s the rest of the Firestone Freedom 100 grid.
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Firestone Freedom 100 Qualification Order
| Row 1 | Pippa Mann | Wade Cunningham |
| Row 2 | Charlie Kimball | Martin Plowman |
| Row 3 | Jeff Simmons | J. K. Vernay |
| Row 4 | Philip Major | James Hinchcliffe |
| Row 5 | Gustavo Yacaman | Dan Clarke |
| Row 6 | Adrian Campos Jr. | Sebastian Saavedra |
| Row 7 | Stefan Wilson | Rodrigo Barbosa |
| Row 8 | Arie Luyendyk Jr. | Brandon Wagner |
Be sure to tune in to watch the race tomorrow as Versus covers Carb Day live from 11am to 4pm EDT on Friday.
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