#41 < #40 - Danica Patrick > #39

Danica Sue Patrick was born on March 25, 1982 in Beloit, Wisconsin. She is an American race car driver currently competing in the Indy Racing league.  She began karting in 1992 at the age of 10 and by the time she was 16 she had moved to the UK to advance her career. Her biggest achievement while there was finishing second in England’s Formula Ford Festival, which was the highest ever finish for an American, and for a woman. 

Her career really took off when in 2002 she began racing for famed driver Bobby Rahal’s team. Throughout the next few years she experienced moderate success and was a consistent podium finisher. After the 2004 season there was much speculation over where she’d race in the 2005 season, and she finally decided upon the IRL IndyCar Series. 

On May 29th, 2005 she became only the 4th woman to ever race in the Indianapolis 500, and ended up in the 4th starting position for the race, the highest ever for a woman. She then went on to become the first woman to lead the race when she took over first position midway through the race, but then lost the lead and ended up finishing 4th place.  Patrick was named Rookie of the Year for 2005.  

She has continued to be a quality racer but a win has still eluded her. There are rumors that she may defect to the NASCAR circuit, but no matter where she goes she has still managed to compete in a sport mostly dominated by men.

#41 < #40 - Danica Patrick > #39
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