Breaking down the barriers, starting at Indy

40

With the advent of the all-female W Series, women and their quest for opportunity in motorsport is currently a much talked about topic.

At a time when female racers were a rare breed in the upper echelons of motorsport, American driver Janet Guthrie singled herself out by becoming the first women to race in the Indy 500.

Born in Iowa in 1938, Janet's initial ambition was to become a commercial pilot, and while she did learn to fly she eventually settled for a PhD in physics before working as an aerospace engineer, and then applied to Nasa’s Scientist-Astronaut programme.

She was rejected on account of her gender and turned to racing.

Her career blossomed in sports car racing, but in 1976, IndyCar beckoned, despite widespread opposition from the community's chauvinists.

Her maiden attempt at making the 33-car field failed, but in 1977 she proudly lined up on the grid, making history in the process, even if she retired after just 27 laps with a mechanical failure.

As a testimony to her achievements - which included a ninth-place finish at the Brickyard in '77 - Janet Guthrie's helmet and overalls are on display at Washington D.C.'s famous Smithsonian Museum.

This afternoon, Pippa Mann will be the sole female racer gracing the grid of the Indy 500, racing for the seventh time at the Brickyard.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.