Lyn St James: “I left a part of my soul in Indianapolis”

A true jack-of-all-trades, the American went down in history for becoming, at 45, the oldest rookie in the Indianapolis 500 in 1992, a record that she still holds. Thirty years later, the resident of Phoenix (Arizona) drove the 4,023 km oval with emotion, whether with a vintage car or the Pace Car of the 111th edition organized last May.

Published on 26/06/2022 à 17:00

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Lyn St James: “I left a part of my soul in Indianapolis”

Lyn St James - Seven Indy 500 starts, best rookie in 1992

Hello Lyn, it's my first visit to the USA and we need to get into the pit lane in Indianapolis to find the Corvette C8.R for photos, but I don't know how to get there...

It doesn't matter, follow me, we'll ask a yellow man (in Indianapolis, all volunteers wear a yellow shirt. Editor’s note). “ Excuse me, can we go this way? No ? Too bad, you probably don't recognize me... "(She then meets another volunteer who immediately falls into her arms: “How are you Lyn?” You always come to Indy, it’s great to see you again! Yes, of course you can enter the pits! ") There are still a few people who remember me, even though my last participation here dates back to 2000. It warms my heart.

Did you celebrate the 30th anniversary of your title as best rookie?

No not at all. (She turns towards her companion. Editor’s note) “ Honey, do you hear what the reporter is saying? Maybe we should bake a cake or something? ". It doesn't matter, there's still time to mark the occasion.

Here we are. I see you have a smile! How do you feel when you enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Even before I became a pilot, I fell in love with this place. Indy has a special aura. When you arrive, you have to go under the circuit, in a tunnel. And when you come out the other side and see the facilities and the track, it's like an explosion. Going to Indianapolis is like going to church. Cathedrals are places built centuries ago, some of them have hosted personalities and events that have written the course of History. We find this spirit, this spirituality in Indianapolis. And the fact of contributing, in a very small dose, among the 800 people who had the chance to drive in the Indy 500,