Danica Patrick, The Beauty On The Race Track
Danica Sue Patrick (born March 25, 1982) is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd place. She competed in the series from 2005 to 2011. She currently competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Starting in kart racing, she later raced Formula Ford in England before moving back to the US and moving up to IndyCars. Patrick was named the Rookie of the Year for both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series season. With her win in the 2008 Indy Japan 300, Patrick became the first woman to win an Indy car race. She placed 3rd in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, which was both a personal best for her at the track, and the highest finish by a woman in the event's history. Patrick holds the IRL record for most consecutive races running at the finish. As of October 2, 2011, she has completed 50 consecutive races in the running (the next highest total in the record book is 32).[1] During her time in IndyCar, Patrick drove for Rahal Letterman Racing from 2005–2006, and Andretti Autosport from 2007-2011.
In 2010, Patrick began racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, driving the #7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet Impala for JR Motorsports part-time. She also has an equity stake in her #7 team.[2] She had her best career finish of 4th in series on March 5, 2011 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway—the best finish by a woman in a NASCAR top-circuit.
Early life
Patrick was born in Beloit, Wisconsin to parents T.J. and Bev Patrick. She grew up in nearby Roscoe, Illinois. Her parents met on a blind date at a snowmobile event in the 1970s when Bev was a mechanic for a friend's snowmobile.[3][4] T.J. raced snowmobiles, motocross, and midget cars. They have owned a Java Hut and a plate glass company.
Patrick was a cheerleader at Hononegah Community High School in Rockton, IL in 1996 and spent her off time babysitting for a family down the road when she wasn't racing.[5] She dropped out of high school and attained a GED.[6]
Her father, T.J., helps his daughter by driving her motor coach and managing her website and merchandise trailer, while her mother, Bev, handles Patrick's business affairs.
Early racing career
Patrick began go-karting in 1992 at the age of 10[7] at the Sugar River Raceway in Brodhead, Wisconsin, and eventually won several World Karting Association track championships.
At age 16 she moved to Milton Keynes, England in order to advance her racing career,[8] racing in British national series events against drivers including future Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button. During a three year period she raced in Formula Ford, Formula Vauxhall and earned a second-place in Britain's Formula Ford Festival, the highest finish by a woman in the event.[9]
In 2002, Patrick started driving for Rahal Letterman Racing in the United States. After making several starts in the Barber Dodge Pro Series, she moved to the Toyota Atlantic Championship for 2003. Patrick won one pole position and was a consistent podium finisher (top three); however, she never won a race. In 2004, Patrick finished third in the Championship.[10]
( Article Source ; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danica_Patrick )
( Photo Source : www.fanpop.com/spots/danica-patrick and other sources )