Q:
When you were racing go-karts you said you wanted to win the Indy 500.
DP:
We almost had it. It was a close race. We were playing with fuel strategy a little bit. We almost had it. It was a very good month for myself, for the team, for the sponsors, for the series. So many things were elevated and so many more people were watching. A lot of stir was made, and that was beneficial for everybody.
Q:
What did you think about racing when you were a kid?
DP:
You know, I played with Barbies a lot, and when I started racing at 10 years old I didn't watch a lot of racing. I remember I was watching the Indy 500 every year on TV. But I was a very normal kid. I did a lot of sports when I was younger. I did cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, band, choir, you name it, I tried it. It wasn't until a year or two into my career that I really started understanding and knowing the fact that that there was racing outside of my little go-kart track near my house, and so I followed more. I watched more Indy car racing. I don't think I was able to get up (early enough) or stay up (late enough) to watch
F1 when I was a little kid.
Q:
Do you have a schedule?
DP:
I have no schedule. Like I said, I am very pleased where I am. Opportunities will arise when they do, and I will deal with them when they come. I really cannot say that there is a timeline on anything. When you are successful, things take care of themselves. People want you, and then you are able to make the decision that makes you the happiest.
Q:
What about the efforts of other women drivers in the Indy 500?
DP:
I think that initially, with the first (women) drivers that came along, times were tough and the men and everybody involved did not embrace them quite as much as they do now. I have to say that this Indianapolis there was not a single day when there were not people waiting for my autograph outside the garage or screaming my name, buying my T-shirts. It was overwhelming how many people jumped on and got excited and followed me the whole month, and still are, and so I think the difference has been the fans and the people participating and their view on females in racing.
Q:
Did you speak to Janet Guthrie or Lyn St. James?
DP:
I saw Lyn St. James right before the race actually, and I talked to her for a minute or two. I received good wishes from Sarah (Fisher) through someone, and that is good. I would do the same thing, too. I don't care who I am racing against along as it is good competition and I know that everything is fair, then that is all that my concern is.
Q:
What does
Ferrari mean to you?
