On This Day

First Female Winner in IndyCar Racing History

Born in Beloit, Wisconsin - hometown, Roscoe, Illinois, Patrick began her racing career karting at the age of ten and achieved early success by winning her class in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship three times in the mid-1990s.

On May 29, 2005, Patrick made her Indy 500 debut, becoming just the fourth female driver ever to compete in the celebrated 500-mile race. She finished the race in fourth place. She was named the Rookie of the Year for both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series.

On April 20, 2008, 26-year-old Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Montegi in Montegi, Japan, making her the first female winner in IndyCar racing history.