Danica Sue Patrick: NASCAR'S Golden Girl

In February 2010, Danica Patrick made her debut at the Daytona 500. Forget the fact that Jimmie Johnson was chasing a fifth straight win or that Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon or Kyle Busch was in the mix. The eyes of the racing world were watching, Danica Patrick who dared to challenge the "big boys" of NASCAR!

Danica Sue Patrick was born in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1982. From an early age, she began racing. At 10, she took on go-kart racing at the Sugar River Raceway in Wisconsin and ultimately became a World Karting Association champion several times over.

By age 16, she had moved to England to pursue her racing career and at 19 took second place in Britain's Formula Ford Festival. Her finish was the highest by a woman in the history of the competition.

With her sights set on the United States, Danica began driving for Rahal Letterman Racing. She drove in a number of series, including the Barber Dodge Pro Series. Under Letterman, she participated in the Toyota Atlantic Championship. While she did not win a race, she did earn a respectable third place in the Championship.

In 2007, Patrick left Letterman and signed with Andretti Green Racing. By 2008, Danica began to make racing history. In April of that year, Patrick won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman driver to win an Indy Car Race. In 2009, still with Andretti Green Racing, Patrick raced at the Indianapolis 500 and finished in third place.

As Danica's notoriety rose, the media has fallen in love with racing's sweetheart. Patrick hosted a show on Spike TV, graced Sports' Illustrated's 2005 swimsuit edition, and was pitchwoman for Secret. She has appeared in a music videos, television show and documentary movie. She is energetic, beautiful and fans want to see her.

Since 2010, Patrick's NASCAR races, which include five, have had questionable endings. Patrick has been plagued by crashes and mechanical problems, but NASCAR has not abandoned their "Girl Power" celebrity.

Danica Patrick has created new focus and interest into NASCAR. She has a group of loyal fans and sports the Lucky # 7 Impala. Talented and focused, Danica Patrick's impact on NASCAR is still yet to be seen. If you are a fan or want more information or updates on this young and talented driver, check out the following websites:http://www.danicaracing.com/

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http://www.danicaracing.com/