Danica Sue Patrick is an American former professional racing driver. She is one of the most successful women in the history of American open-wheel car racing—her victory in the 2008 Indy Japan 300 is the only win by a woman in an IndyCar Series race.
Patrick at the 2017 Camping World 500
Beloit, Wisconsin, where Patrick was born in 1982
Bobby Rahal (pictured in 2004) hired Patrick on a three-year contract to race for his team, Rahal Letterman Racing.
Patrick driving for Rahal Letterman Racing at the 2006 Indianapolis 500
American open-wheel car racing
American open-wheel car racing, generally known as Indy car racing, or more formally Indianapolis car racing, is a category of professional automobile racing in the United States. As of 2024, the top-level American open-wheel racing championship is sanctioned by IndyCar. Competitive events for professional-level, open-wheel race cars have been conducted under the auspices of various sanctioning bodies, tracing its roots as far back as 1902. A season-long, points-based, National Championship of drivers has been officially recognized in 1905, 1916, and each year since 1920. As such, for many years, the category of racing was known as Championship car racing. That name has fallen from use, and the term Indy car racing has become the preferred moniker.
The 2019 Indianapolis 500, an IndyCar sanctioned race
Field of 1916 Indianapolis 500, first Indianapolis 500 held as a part of National Championship
Zeke Meyer at 1932 Indianapolis 500
Dan Gurney at 1962 Indianapolis 500