Last-minute deals, last-second rides means record-tying 4 women to start Indianapolis 500

In this photo taken on Sunday, May 19, 2013, Ana Beatriz, of Brazil, stands in the pits after the second day of qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. Beatriz is one of four women starting Sunday's race. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) (The Associated Press)

Pippa Mann, of England, listens to a question during a media interview for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Thursday, May 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

A record-tying four women will start this year's Indianapolis 500.

Pippa Mann chatted with tire makers, dropped in on the folks from the television networks, and even tried to get cozy with engine maker Honda in the hopes of landing a ride. Katherine Legge didn't know she would have a shot at Sunday's race until it was time to qualify last weekend, and now the two of them will join Ana Beatriz and Simona de Silvestro in the 33-car starting field.

In their minds, simply starting the race is no longer a story: The next big story will be win a woman finally wins.