It is not because she is a woman.
She seems just seems out of place. Couldn’t they get some other person? A better driver who drove the Indy 500 or Indycar Someone more successful.
Danica Patrick came in 4th at the 2005 Indy 500. That’s not experience?
Wikipedia: “During practice, Patrick ran the fastest practice lap of the month, and was a favorite for the front row. During her qualifying attempt, Patrick’s car slipped in the first turn, and she settled for 4th starting position as the fastest rookie. Had she not slipped, she may have been fast enough to qualify for the pole position. On race day, she led three times for 19 laps. She was leading as late as 6 laps to go before finishing 4th.”