Danica

Danica Sue Patrick is an American former professional racer. She is the most successful American female open-wheel racing driver. Her win at the Indy Japan 300 in 2008 was her first major win. She dropped out of high school with the permission of her parents in 1998 and relocating to the United Kingdom to further her career. Patrick raced in Formula Vauxhall, Formula Ford before returning to the United States in 2001. In 2002, she took part in five Barber Dodge Pro Series races with Rahal Letterman racing. Patrick later raced in the Toyota Atlantic Series for the following two seasons. Her best result was third in the championship standings for 2004 season. She was the first female driver in the series to earn an overall position. She was named the Rookie of the Year in both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series. She saw improvement over the next two years, racing for Rahal Letterman Racing in 2006 and, later, Andretti Green Racing in 2007. In 2008, Patrick followed up her Japan victory to place at sixth place overall in the driver's standings. Her performance improved to place fifth the following season. This saw her finish a career-high third at the Indianapolis 500, the best race of any woman at the race. Patrick's overall performances slowed during the year, but she achieved two second-place finishes at oval tracks before she left IndyCar following the 2011 season, focusing solely on stock car racing.