Beth Paretta announces three-race schedule for all-woman team for IndyCar

IndyCar team owner Beth Paretta announced Tuesday she intends to bring back her all-woman team for three races this season but doesn’t intend to compete at next month’s Indianapolis 500.

Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro will pilot the No. 16 Chevrolet at all three stops — June 12 at Road America in Wisconsin, July 3 at Mid-Ohio and Aug. 7 on the streets of Nashville.

Last May, Paretta Autosport collaborated with IndyCar Series leader Team Penske to enter de Silvestro’s vehicle in the race. Paretta is collaborating with Ed Carpenter Racing this year, which had planned to enter three cars in the series’ flagship event.

Paretta believes that racing three times rather than once as Carpenter’s fourth vehicle is a better investment toward her aim of having her team a full-time series competitor.

Last year, one of the most interesting tales was the quest to become the first all-female team to qualify for the 500. De Silvestro survived an uncomfortable “bump day,” the penultimate day of qualifying, despite failing to get up to speed, to secure the 33rd and final starting slot in the regular field. She came in 31st place.

The lineup for this year 500 is presently at 32 cars, but Mark Miles, the CEO of series sponsor Penske Entertainment, said he intends to fill the field and maybe add the 34th vehicle.