(April 21, 2008)—Danica Patrick is the first female winner in IndyCar history, taking the Indy Japan 300 after the top contenders were forced to pit for fuel in the final laps.
Patrick finished almost 6 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Helio Castroneves after leader Scott Dixon went in for a pit stop with five laps remaining.
Patrick began racing in Europe at the age of sixteen and gained the attention of Indy 500 Champion Bobby Rahal with a runner-up finish at the Formula Ford Racing Festival, the highest by an American in the event's history.
Patrick, who now races with the Andretti Green Team, signed with Rahal following the event.
In 2005, Patrick broke records when she started fourth and finished fourth in the 89th Indianapolis 500 and earned JP Morgan Chase Rookie of the Year honors. It was the highest starting and finishing position for a woman driver in the event's history. The rookie also led 19 laps during the race to become the first woman to lead at Indianapolis.
Danica Patrick has had 50 starts and won numerous popularity awards since 2005.
The next race on the IndyCar Series schedule is the Kansas Speedway on Sunday, April 27.
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