Danica Patrick makes history with Indy Japan 300 win

Danica Patrick makes history with Indy Japan 300 win Danica Patrick made it into the history books by becoming the first female IndyCar driver to win a race, after Patrick won the Indy Japan 300 on Sunday. The race was initially scheduled for Saturday, but had to be postponed until Sunday because of wet track conditions. Danica Patrick won the race 5.8594 seconds ahead of pole-winner Helio Castroneves, after leader Scott Dixon was forced to the pit with five laps left. The Indy Japan 300 was 50th career IndyCar start for the 26-year-old Patrick and first victory on the track.

"When I actually had to talk on my radio, finally the emotion came out. I really couldn't manage any other words than 'thank you'. And then I was as relieved, as I expected I would be years ago, how I knew I would feel when I won my first race. But I guess over time that feeling has only gotten bigger, and over time I've been asked so many times when I'm going to win my first race. Finally, no more of those questions," Danica Patrick was quoted after her first Indy victory, "It's a long time coming. Finally. It was a fuel strategy race, but my team called it perfectly for me. I knew I was on the same strategy as Helio and when I passed him for the lead, I couldn't believe it. This is fabulous." Scott Dixon finished the Indy race third, followed by Dan Wheldon and Tony Kanaan.

Published on 04/20/2008