MAIN Sports Sports Stars Danica Patrick

Born Danica Sue Patrick in Beloit, Wisconsin on March 25, 1982, the Indy League racing sensation began her career in kart racing at age 10.

At age 16, her professional career began in the U.K. when she joined the European racing circuit, working her way back to the U.S. by teaming up with the Toyota Atlantic Championship and, ultimately, the Indy Racing League.

Becoming one of a handful of women in a very short list of female racecar drivers, Patrick made history in 2005 by finishing fourth in the Indy 500 with the best finish for a woman in Indianapolis 500 history.

In addition to her bravado on the track, Patrick is currently a spokesperson for Go Daddy.com, XM Satellite Radio, Coca Cola and other corporate giants.

A complete photo spread was also devoted to her in the 2008 edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and has been awarded the the title of most "sexy female athlete" by lingerie company Victoria's Secret.

Danica Patrick admittedly doesn't think about being female in a male-dominated sport and admirably displays a straightforward "just do it" attitude that has endeared her to male and female fans alike.

In 2007, she had her best shot yet of winning the Indy 500 - racing alongside Sarah Fisher and Milka Duno - the first female trio ever to compete in Indianapolis.

In March 2008, Patrick was again making headlines over her protest of new Indy rules declaring a weight minumum for both car and driver, effectively penalizing the driver for her petite 100-pound frame.

Shortly following in April, Danica Patrick made history by becoming the first female winner in Indy car history when she beat out favorite Helio Castroneves by 5 seconds to take the Indy Japan 300.

In July, Patrick was back in the news following an altercation with driver Milka Duno caught on video that quickly buzzed the Web. The verbal fist-a-cuffs occured during the IndyCar Series race.

In 2009, all eyes were on the diminutive driver as she once again battled the boys for a shot at becoming the first female winner of the Indy 500, coming in third for the best showing by a female in Indy 500 history.

Moving to NASCAR

Recent rumors about a move to NASCAR made more headlines in late 2009, with buzz surrounding Patrick's discussions with NASCAR champ Dale Ernhardt Jr. about signing with his team sometime in 2010.

Speculation turned into action when it was announced in December that Patrick was scheduled to race at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona on February 6, 2010 in preparation for her upcoming part-time schedule in ARCA and NASCAR. Her debut was ill-fated, however, after her involvement in a 12-car wreck resulting in heavy damage to the right-front fender of her GoDaddy.com Chevrolet.

Undaunted, Patrick quickly jumped to NASCAR's second-tier Nationwide Series later in the month as "Danicamania" continues to catapult America's most famous female driver into the spotlight. However, her first foray at Las Vegas Motor Speedway came to an end early when she wrecked just before the half-way point.

Away from the track, Danica Patrick currently calls Phoenix, Arizona her home where she lives with her husband, physical therapist and fitness trainer Paul Hospenthal.

More about Danica Patrick around the Web:

The Official Site of Danica Patrick - Check out the latest schedule, current news, car specs, a personal profile, vital stats and career highlights dating back to 1992, picture galleries, wallpapers.

IndyCar.com- Danica Patrick - News features, pictures, vital stats, career highlights, video clips.

Danica Patrick Photos - A hot & 'racy' collection of publicity photos, magazine covers, personal appearances and candid shots.

Danica Patrick - Wikipedia - A full biography, picture, career highlights, related links.

European Car: Danica Patrick - Archived interview with the racing star chronicling her career up to 2003.

The Woman of Bernie's Dreams - Archived feature story from 2000 that accurately predicts the rise of Danica Patrick on the racing circuit.

also see in Sports Idols-> Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Jeff Gordon | Jimmie Johnson | Tony Stewart