Sports/Events
IndyCar Racer Danica Patrick Silences Critics with Historical Win
By Dylan Vox

Apr 22, 2008

Danica Patrick

There has been a lot of talk about IndyCar racer Danica Patrick’s potential since being named Rookie of the Year in 2005, but this weekend the twenty-six-year-old firecracker proved that she was worth the hype. Earning a victory this weekend at the Japan 300, she becomes the first woman in history to ever win a race.  

For the past few seasons, Patrick has earned much visibility in a sport that is generally dominated by men by placing well at several Indy races, but she has never seemed to be able to push her driving to that next level.  

Posing for this year’s famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and earning the most popular driver award for the past three seasons, she has definitely become a poster girl for Indy racing, but critics were beginning to question her actual talent.  

Now, crossing the finish line with the checkered flag ahead of pole-sitter and Dancing with the Stars winner Helio Castroneves, may have finally earned her some respect from her peers.  

Tears of joy began to roll down her face as she savored the victory.  

"I felt like such a wuss. I couldn't believe I was crying, “ she told Good Morning America after returning to the states on Monday. “I tried to stay in the car. I thought, 'I can't stay in the car. I have to get out of the seat.' They were like 'take the helmet off.' I thought, 'this is sports, right? This is raw emotion. What better time to let it out and be myself.”  

It has taken fifty attempts to reach the IndyCar podium, but she can finally silence some of the questions about her ability.  

"I've been asked so many times when I'm going to win my first race, and finally, no more of those questions," she explained to the Associated Press.  

"Dreams really do come true."