Danica Patrick Reveals Factor That Made Her a Strong IndyCar Racer

Former racing icon Danica Patrick gave an insight into what made her a capable driver in IndyCar.

Danica Patrick Reveals Factor That Made Her a Strong IndyCar Racer

Danica Patrick (image via Profootballnetwork.com)

Danica Patrick is the biggest woman racer in recent history. The American star made her mark across disciplines, be it NASCAR or IndyCar. She achieved decent success in the latter, most notably, her debut at the Indy 500 twenty years ago. Patrick opened up about what made her special in the open-wheel championship.

The 43-year-old became a household name in IndyCar in the 2000s. Danica Patrick competed in eight seasons of the championship, with her first stint being from 2005 to 2011. During this period, she achieved a best championship finish of fifth place and had one victory to her name. Patrick returned to the grid in 2018 for the Indy 500.

The American star had led 18 laps at her first ever attempt at the 500, all the way back in 2005. Reflecting upon her time in the championship, Danica Patrick revealed what made her a strong driver. Patrick reckoned that her instincts ensured that she knew when to push herself to the limit. While she worked with the team at times when the car was not worth driving.

I was very good at trusting my instincts, and if the car didn’t feel right, I just didn’t drive. I’d just come in, or we would work on it and or I wouldn’t drive over my head, as I was a methodical driver.

Danica Patrick said, as quoted by Fox.

After IndyCar, Patrick moved to NASCAR with Stewart-Haas Racing. Over the years, she continued to showcase her skills in stock car racing but never came close to Victory Lane. Since then, Patrick moved to TV Punditry for various categories, including Formula 1. Yet, every time she makes it back to the IndyCar booth, she remembers her old days.

Real good feels. I always have a lot of reverence and respect for here, too, just with the facility, the history.

Danica Patrick added.

Danica Patrick recalls loud crowd during debut Indy 500 outing

The 2005 Indianapolis 500 was a special race. Danica Patrick made her debut at the greatest spectacle of racing and defied all expectations. The American star started the race from fourth place and was in direct contention for the win. But the crowd erupted when Patrick clinched the lead in the final stages of the race as a rookie.

Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick (Via IMAGO)

However, the 43-year-old did not know why the fans were making such a huge noise. Danica Patrick admitted that she had thought it was just because the race was coming to an end.

I truly thought it was because they were so excited that the race was almost over. I did not think it was about me. I was like, ‘Wow, everybody’s so excited. It’s almost over. It’s exciting.’

Danica Patrick recalled.

The American star managed to retain the lead after the Lap 172 caution. Moreover, Danica Patrick once again got a huge roar from fans when she regained the lead on Lap 190. Ultimately, Patrick failed to win the race, and crossed the finish line in fourth place. However, seeing a woman finally taking the fight for victory at a race like the Indy 500 remains one of the best moments of IndyCar’s recent history.

Danica Patrick’s career might not have matched the expectations that were laid on her following her debut at Indianapolis. Nevertheless, she remains an icon for her efforts in the world of racing. Patrick could be considered the biggest female racer in the past few decades and has certainly inspired many girls to challenge the male-dominated racing world.

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