Born in Beloit, Wisconsin, on March 25, 1982, Danica Patrick grew up in a loving household with parents T.J. and Bev and sister Brooke. Danica Patrick's need for speed was not obvious from the get-go as, like many young girls, she loved to play with Barbie dolls as a child.
At the age of 10, however, Danica Patrick got a glimpse into a world she would come to love. She accompanied her sibling on a trip to a go-karting lesson and quickly fell in love with sitting behind the wheel of a speedy vehicle. While sister Brooke soon abandoned racing, Danica Patrick was hooked, and she soon joined the World Karting Association (WKA).
At the age of 10, however, Danica Patrick got a glimpse into a world she would come to love. She accompanied her sibling on a trip to a go-karting lesson and quickly fell in love with sitting behind the wheel of a speedy vehicle. While sister Brooke soon abandoned racing, Danica Patrick was hooked, and she soon joined the World Karting Association (WKA).
Why Is She Famous?
A shining star in a sport governed and controlled by men, Danica Patrick found her way into the Indy Racing League by earning a spot on the Rahal Letterman Racing team in 2002. More than six years later this speedy sexpot made waves in the February 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
A shining star in a sport governed and controlled by men, Danica Patrick found her way into the Indy Racing League by earning a spot on the Rahal Letterman Racing team in 2002. More than six years later this speedy sexpot made waves in the February 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Success
Involved in racing since the age of 10, Danica first conquered the world of kart racing, winning the national points championship of the World Karting Association in 1994.
Throughout her adolescence, Danica continued to rise through the ranks of assorted racing leagues, and by 2002, she was able to secure a spot with Team Rahal Letterman of the Indy Racing League. For two years, she trained in lesser leagues, getting her senses of speed and timing right. Once Danica became the first woman to win a pole position and post a podium result in the Toyota Atlantic racing series, her bosses at Rahal Letterman Racing promoted her to IndyCar.
Danica Patrick made headlines as the only woman in this exclusive league, and was in contention throughout her 2005 rookie year. At the Indy 500 in May, Danica Patrick was the center of attention, becoming the fastest driver during the pole runs and entering the record books as the first woman to ever lead the Indy 500 (she led for 19 laps). Then, in April 2008, Danica Patrick became the first female to win an IndyCar Series race.
Throughout her adolescence, Danica continued to rise through the ranks of assorted racing leagues, and by 2002, she was able to secure a spot with Team Rahal Letterman of the Indy Racing League. For two years, she trained in lesser leagues, getting her senses of speed and timing right. Once Danica became the first woman to win a pole position and post a podium result in the Toyota Atlantic racing series, her bosses at Rahal Letterman Racing promoted her to IndyCar.
Danica Patrick made headlines as the only woman in this exclusive league, and was in contention throughout her 2005 rookie year. At the Indy 500 in May, Danica Patrick was the center of attention, becoming the fastest driver during the pole runs and entering the record books as the first woman to ever lead the Indy 500 (she led for 19 laps). Then, in April 2008, Danica Patrick became the first female to win an IndyCar Series race.
Sexiness
At 5'2" and 100 pounds, Danica Patrick is a petite woman with a cute little body and long brown hair. Her youthful features and round face give her a girly look that complements her often boyish attire -- it's hard to make a racing suit look feminine.
However, FHM placed Danica Patrick in its 100 Sexiest Women Of The World twice; she ranked No. 42 in 2006 and No. 85 in 2007. Victoria's Secret also chose Danica Patrick as the sexiest athlete for its What Is Sexy list, and she made AskMen.com's Top 99 of 2009.
However, FHM placed Danica Patrick in its 100 Sexiest Women Of The World twice; she ranked No. 42 in 2006 and No. 85 in 2007. Victoria's Secret also chose Danica Patrick as the sexiest athlete for its What Is Sexy list, and she made AskMen.com's Top 99 of 2009.
Quotes
"I need to beat them, belittle them and make them feel small. Trying to run them off the road at 170 mph isn't sweet and kind."
- Danica Patrick, on her feelings towards her competition.
- Danica Patrick, on her feelings towards her competition.
