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Danica Patrick is regarded as one of the most successful US-based female racers. She is a trailblazer and an inspiration to the likes of young female drivers around the world who are trying to make a mark in motorsports such as NASCAR, IndyCar, or Formula 1.
Patrick began her racing journey at the age of 10 by competing in several local and national Karting series. By 16, she moved to the UK to enter the European road series. With support from the likes of John Mecom Jr. and three-time Formula 1 world champion Jackie Stewart, Patrick made a name for herself in the British Formula Vauxhall Championship and Formula Ford.
In 2005, Patrick entered the IndyCar Series with Rahal Letterman Racing. During her first outing in the Indianapolis 500 race, the Wisconsin-based driver became the first female racer to lead laps (19 laps) and finish in the top 5 (fourth place). As a result, she was awarded Rookie of the Year for the 2005 IndyCar Series.
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After a successful run in open-wheel racing, Patrick entered the world of stock car racing in 2010. However, she gained popularity in the 2013 NASCAR Cup Series season, becoming the first woman to win pole position in the iconic Daytona 500 race. Here's a look at some of the highlights of Patrick's NASCAR racing career.
5. 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Dover International Speedway
The 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Dover International Speedway is one of the highlights of Patrick's debut season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. She started the race in 13th place. However, thanks to some excellent moves and good calls from the team, she finished the race in sixth place.
4. A 10th-place finish in the 2012 NASCAR Xfinity Series driver championship
After a dismal season in 2011, Patrick was able to make the most of the 2012 NASCAR Xfinity Series. With a 10th-place finish in the driver championship, she became the highest-finishing female racer in stock car racing in over 63 years. Patrick was also voted the most popular driver in the 2012 Xfinity series.
3. Claimed the record for the most top-10 finishes by a woman driver in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2015
Although Patrick finished in 24th place in the driver standings of the 2015 NASCAR Cup Series, she managed to clinch a crucial record in the season. With six top-10 finishes, Patrick claimed the record for the most top-10 finishes by a woman driver in the NASCAR Cup Series from Janet Guthrie (five top-10s).
2. Career-best fourth-place finish in the 2017 exhibition race at Daytona
While the 2017 season was dull as a whole, Patrick grabbed her career-best fourth-place finish in the Advance Auto Parts Clash exhibition race at Daytona.
1. Pole position in the 2013 Daytona 500 race
Patrick grabbed a lot of firsts for female racers in her debut 2013 NASCAR Cup Series season. However, the highlight of the year was the pole position at the 55th Daytona 500 race. She finished the race in eighth place (highest-ever for a woman in Daytona) and also became the first female driver to lead laps at the iconic event.
