Danica Patrick Makes History as First Woman to Win IndyCar Race
photo courtesy of PR Photos/www.prphotos.comDanica Patrick has become the first female winner in IndyCar history Sunday, in the Indy Japan 300, according to the Associated Press.
Amazingly, Patrick finished 5.8594 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Helio Castroneves on the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval after the leader Scott Dixon was forced to pit for fuel with five laps left and Dan Wheldon and Tony Kanaan came in a lap later. Patrick said:
“It’s a long time coming. Finally. It was a fuel strategy race, but my team called it perfectly for me. I knew I was on the same strategy as Helio and when I passed him for the lead, I couldn’t believe it. This is fabulous.”
Patrick took the lead from Castroneves on the 198th lap in the 200-lap race. Michael Andretti, co-owner of Andretti Green Racing said:
“I think Danica is such a fantastic person and I’m thrilled for her that the monkey is finally off of her back. We have all believed in her and she proved today that she is a winner. Frankly, I think this is the first of many.”
Wow, what an amazing win for Danica Patrick!
At least Helio’s still holding a champion title with Dancing with the Stars.
