Danica Patrick

Guide Note

Professional race car driver Danica Patrick currently races with Andretti Green Racing in the Indy Racing League. In 2008, she became the first female driver to win an Indy Car race.

Patrick was taken out of the 2008 Indianapolis 500 running because of a crash with racer Ryan Briscoe on the pit road late in the race. Patrick was furious and stormed towards Briscoe's pit. She was restrained by track staff before a confrontation could develop.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Danica Sue Patrick
2. Born: March 25, 1982
3. Birthplace: Beloit, Wisconsin
4. Team: Andretti Green Racing
5. Finished 4th in the 2005 Indianapolis 500
6. First female driver to lead the Indy 500
7. Won first career race at 2008 Indy Japan 300

Patrick began as an avid go cart racer, then traveled to England at age 16, where she began training for Indy racing. In 2002, she signed with Rahal Letterman Racing, where she raced in several lower-level Indy racing leagues.

Still with Rahal Letterman Racing, Patrick entered the Indy Racing League in 2005. During her rookie season, she was the fourth female ever to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. She led several laps, but finished fourth after she was forced to slow down to conserve fuel.

Patrick raced in 16 additional races in 2005, finishing in fourth place again in a race in Japan. She completed the season with with 325 points, 12 overall in the championship. Following her breakout season, she was selected as Rookie of the Year both in the league and for the Indianapolis 500.

Patrick continued with Rahal Letterman through the 2006 season, after which she signed with Andretti Green Racing.

On April 20, 2008, Patrick won the Indy Japan 300, marking the first female to win an Indy car race in the history of the league.