Danica Patrick isn’t just the best looking driver in Indy car racing history, but she’s also a damned-fine driver.
She is currently third in the 2008 IndyCar standings. She has the highest finish ever by a woman in Indy 500 history (4th in ‘05). And she was the 2005 IndyCar Rookie of the year.
But she still hadn’t won an IndyCar race — until yesterday.
Danica made it into the history books by becoming the first female to win an IndyCar race — second-only in heritage to formula one when it comes to open-wheel racing — when she won the rain-delayed Japan 300.
“Boys, move over. The lady is coming through. Danica Patrick wins the Twin Motegi,” the announcer said as she crossed the finish line.
The 26-year-old Wisconsin native took the lead in the final two laps of the 200-lap race as her mother watched and cheered in the stands. Patrick finished 5.8594 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Helio Castroneves on the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval, after other top contenders were forced to pit for fuel in their final laps.
Patrick risked becoming the Anna Kournikova of the driving world — known more for her looks than her ability to win (Kournikova had a remarkable career in doubles matches, but never won a big singles event).
It’s not like Danica’s downplayed her sexiness in the past…

Great picture below of Danica on the podium — notice how she’s almost the same height as second place winner Helio Castroneves standing on the podium below here. And look at his mocking the size disparity of their trophies:

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Danica jump to NASCAR next year — lots of drivers’ contracts are up next year, and she would be a cash cow for a good team.
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The very first comment at Ace of Spades HQ: “Yeah, but I bet she still can’t parallel park.”
Heh.





Great job, Danica!
She’s quite a girl, and has had racing in her blood since she was little.
She has intimated that she might be making the switch to NASCAR in the not too distant future.
I have always, and still do, wish her well in her chosen profession.
Left by no2liberals on April 20th, 2008 at 8:16 pm