Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrickis an American professional stock car racing driver, model, and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing—her win in the 2008 Indy Japan 300 is the only women's victory in an IndyCar Series race and her third place in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 the highest finish there ever by a woman. She competed in the series from 2005 to 2011. In 2012, she competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and occasionally...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionRace Car Driver
Date of Birth25 March 1982
CityBeloit, WI
CountryUnited States of America
I finally led the first lap from the pole - I was happy about that.
There is so much history here, just like the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. It's one of those races that everybody knows about and I couldn't pass up the chance to get the experience.
There has been a lot of support. But things are a lot more somber, and rightfully so. Somebody died. It sounds a little bit cold, but it is the job. We do have to keep racing, but we will give him the best tribute, thoughts and prayers that we can.
But I was glad I heard it from him.
The news is what happens on the track. That's the real news. That's why I'm here.
It's something different that people haven't seen. It's a story that people are interested in, and the league will do what they think is best for the series.
It's just my story... and the lessons that I learned along the way and that it wasn't all a peachy keen, wonderful life. It was hard, and probably, when I look back on it, it's harder looking back than in the moment.
It's just silly because it's so early in the race. Obviously, he was fast. Ryan could have been a lot more patient and had a better opportunity to go out and do the job, be successful and win the race. But his, I don't know what you call it, I don't know if it was overanxious, if it was desperate, if it was a rookie-style mistake that caused it, but he didn't make a very good decision.
I told him to move over a couple of times when he was sitting in my seat right next to my engineer. He was a very nice guy. And, gosh, did he want it.
It's all about creating momentum and then keeping that going by being focused. You do what you can and let the commercials keep running so people don't forget about you during the down times.
I mean, you've kind of got the track down, especially with ovals. The only thing that improves is that when race conditions come, you know what to expect slightly more from the track and from your car.
I'm probably not 100 pounds anymore, but around there. I definitely got obsessed with my weight. When I met my husband and realized that he could put on 50 pounds and I'd still love him, I realized that's how he sees me or at least how he should!
Racing is been my profession since I was 19 years old.
You have responsibilities and if you want to be the best in your industry you need to have a relentless dedication to your job. I was fortunate to have support from my parents and sister growing up and that helped me a lot.