History of Danica Patrick in Timeline
Danica Patrick is a retired American race car driver and model. She holds the distinction of being the only woman to have won an IndyCar Series race, achieved at the 2008 Indy Japan 300. Her success in open-wheel racing has cemented her place as one of the most accomplished women in American motorsports history.
1974: First Woman in Toyota Atlantic Series Since 1974
Danica Patrick's entry into the Toyota Atlantic Series in 2003 marked the first time a woman had participated in the championship since 1974.
1978: Janet Guthrie's Top-Ten Finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway
In 1978, Janet Guthrie achieved a significant milestone in motorsports history by securing a top-ten finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Her accomplishment marked a turning point for women in racing, paving the way for future generations to compete at the highest level.
March 25, 1982: Birth of Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick was born on March 25, 1982.
1994: First Win in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship
Danica Patrick secured her first victory in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship in 1994.
1994: Shawna Robinson Becomes the First Woman to Clinch a Pole Position in the Nationwide Series
In 1994, Shawna Robinson etched her name in NASCAR history by becoming the first woman to secure a pole position in the Nationwide Series.
1994: Shawna Robinson Becomes First Woman to Achieve Pole Position in National NASCAR
In 1994, Shawna Robinson etched her name into NASCAR history books by becoming the first woman to secure a pole position in a national NASCAR race. This groundbreaking accomplishment paved the way for future generations of female drivers in the sport.
1996: Second Win in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship
Danica Patrick achieved her second victory in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship in 1996.
1996: Acceptance into the Lyn St. James Foundation Driver Development Program
Danica Patrick's racing career received a significant boost in 1996 when she was accepted into the prestigious Lyn St. James Foundation Driver Development Program.
1996: Cheerleading and Early Career Aspirations
While attending Hononegah Community High School in 1996, Danica Patrick was a cheerleader. During this time, she also explored different career paths, considering becoming a secretary, a singer, or a veterinarian.
1997: Third Win in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship
Danica Patrick achieved a remarkable feat by winning the World Karting Association Grand National Championship for the third time in 1997.
1997: Media Attention and Introduction to John Mecom Jr.
Danica Patrick's racing journey gained significant media attention in 1997, with features on ABC and MTV. This exposure led to a pivotal introduction to John Mecom Jr., who would later play a role in her career.
May 1998: Competing in a Sports Car Club of America Race at Daytona International Speedway
Danica Patrick participated in a Sports Car Club of America race held at the Daytona International Speedway in May 1998.
1998: Dropping Out of High School and Moving to England
In 1998, Danica Patrick made the significant decision to drop out of high school midway through her junior year, obtaining a GED certification. She moved to England to pursue her racing aspirations.
1998: Move to the UK for Racing and Dropping Out of High School
With her parents' permission, Danica Patrick made the significant decision to drop out of high school in 1998. She moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a career in racing.
1999: Ninth Place Finish in the British Formula Vauxhall Championship
Danica Patrick demonstrated her racing prowess by finishing ninth in the 1999 British Formula Vauxhall Championship.
2000: Second Place Finish in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch
Danica Patrick achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the 2000 Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch while racing for Haywood Racing. Her performance matched Danny Sullivan's best result by an American in the event.
2001: Return to the United States Due to Lack of Funding
Danica Patrick's racing endeavors in the UK faced a setback in 2001 due to funding constraints, leading her to return to the United States.
2001: Formula Three Test and Gorsline Scholarship Award
Danica Patrick's talent earned her a Formula Three test with Carlin in 2001. Additionally, she was honored with the Gorsline Scholarship Award, recognizing her as a promising road course competitor.
2002: Met Paul Edward Hospenthal
Danica Patrick crossed paths with Paul Edward Hospenthal in 2002 while seeking treatment for a hip injury she sustained during a yoga session. This encounter marked the beginning of their relationship.
2002: Competing in the Barber Dodge Pro Series
Danica Patrick participated in five races of the Barber Dodge Pro Series in 2002, driving for Rahal Letterman Racing.
2002: Winning the Professional Class in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and Testing a NASCAR Busch Series Car
Danica Patrick showcased her versatility and skill by winning the professional class in the 2002 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. She also participated in a two-day test session at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, testing a ppc Racing Ford Taurus NASCAR Busch Series car.
2002: Second Woman to Achieve Pole Position in IndyCar History
Danica Patrick's pole position win at Kansas Speedway in 2005 marked the second time a woman had achieved this in IndyCar Series history, following Sarah Fisher's accomplishment in 2002.
2003: Toyota Atlantic Series Debut
In 2003, Danica Patrick transitioned to the Toyota Atlantic Series, marking the first time a woman participated in the championship since 1974.
December 2004: Joining Rahal Letterman Racing for IndyCar Series
In December 2004, Danica Patrick was signed by Rahal Letterman Racing to join their IndyCar Series team for the 2005 season, making her the third driver on their roster.
2004: Third Place Finish in the Toyota Atlantic Series and First Woman to Win a Pole Position
Danica Patrick achieved a significant milestone in 2004 by finishing third in the Toyota Atlantic Series championship standings. Notably, she also became the first woman to secure a pole position in the series.
2004: Historic Pole Position and Points Lead in Toyota Atlantic Series
In 2004, Danica Patrick made history in the Toyota Atlantic Series by becoming the first woman to secure a pole position, achieved at the Portland International Raceway. She then went on to lead the championship standings, marking another first for women in the series.
2005: "Girl Racers" Documentary
In 2005, Danica Patrick was featured in the documentary "Girl Racers," showcasing her journey and challenges as a female race car driver.
2005: Described as a Pop Culture Icon and Facing Criticism
When Danica Patrick joined IndyCar in 2005, she quickly rose to pop culture icon status, largely due to her gender and modeling career. However, Henry Hutton of the Independent Tribune pointed out that her image as a driver was later overshadowed by car troubles, on-track incidents, and a perceived lack of competitiveness.
2005: Voted IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver
Danica Patrick's popularity among IndyCar fans was undeniable, as she was voted the IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver in 2005.
2005: IndyCar Series Debut and Rookie of the Year Honors
In 2005, Danica Patrick made her debut in the IndyCar Series with Rahal Letterman Racing. Her exceptional performance earned her the Rookie of the Year award for both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series.
2005: Married Paul Edward Hospenthal
Danica Patrick married Paul Edward Hospenthal in 2005. The couple had met in 2002 when Patrick sought physical therapy from Hospenthal for a hip injury she sustained during a yoga session.
2005: IndyCar Debut and Rookie of the Year
In 2005, Danica Patrick debuted in the IndyCar Series, experiencing both setbacks like a crash at Homestead-Miami Speedway and successes like a fourth-place finish at Twin Ring Motegi. She also achieved several firsts for women at the Indianapolis 500, ultimately being named Rookie of the Year for both the race and the IndyCar Series.
2006: Continued Racing with Rahal Letterman Racing
Danica Patrick continued to race with Rahal Letterman Racing in 2006, further honing her skills and gaining experience in the IndyCar Series.
2006: Danica Patrick in Jay-Z's Music Video and Autobiography Release
Danica Patrick's public profile grew in 2006. She appeared driving a Pagani Zonda Roadster in the music video for Jay-Z's song "Show Me What You Got." Additionally, she released her autobiography, "Danica: Crossing the Line," sharing her personal and professional experiences.
2006: Endurance Racing Debut and Sportswoman of the Year Award
Danica Patrick's year 2006 was marked by her debut in endurance racing at the 24 Hours of Daytona and being honored as Sportswoman of the Year by the March of Dimes for her dedication and accomplishments in racing.
2006: Named One of the Most Beautiful People in the World and Ranked Highly on Sexiest Women Lists
In 2006, People magazine recognized Danica Patrick as one of the most beautiful people in the world. That same year, she was ranked No. 42 on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list.
2007: Joining Andretti Green Racing
Danica Patrick joined forces with Andretti Green Racing in 2007, marking a significant move in her IndyCar career.
2007: Voted Sexiest Athlete and Ranked on Sexiest Women List
Danica Patrick was voted the sexiest athlete in Victoria's Secret's "What is Sexy" list in 2007. She also secured the No. 85 spot on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list that year.
2007: Ranked Second in Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete
Danica Patrick's popularity among sports fans was evident in 2007 when she secured the second position in the Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete category, trailing behind tennis icon Serena Williams.
2007: Move to Andretti Green Racing and Career-Best Finishes
In 2007, Danica Patrick joined Andretti Green Racing. Her season included a notable confrontation with Dan Wheldon and achieving her then best career finish with a third place at the Bombardier Learjet 550, later surpassed by a second-place finish at the Detroit Indy Grand Prix.
April 24, 2008: Danica Patrick on the "Late Show with David Letterman"
Following her historic win at the IndyCar race, Danica Patrick made a guest appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on April 24, 2008, marking her rising fame and recognition.
November 2008: Danica Patrick's Potential Formula One Test Canceled
In November 2008, a scheduled test drive for Danica Patrick with Formula One team Honda was canceled when Honda withdrew from the sport. This marked a missed opportunity for Patrick to potentially enter the world of Formula One.
2008: Victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300
In 2008, Danica Patrick secured a historic victory at the Indy Japan 300, marking the first and only time a woman has won an IndyCar Series race.
2008: Ranked Among the Most Powerful People in Sports
Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Danica Patrick as the 50th most powerful person in the world of sports in 2008. This recognition highlighted her growing influence and impact on the industry.
2008: Historic IndyCar Victory and Continued Success
In 2008, Danica Patrick made history by winning the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi, becoming the first woman to win a top-level open wheel race. This win added to her string of successes, which included finishing as the highest-placed American driver in the season.
2008: Won Favorite Female Athlete at the Kids' Choice Awards
Danica Patrick's appeal extended to younger audiences, earning her the Favorite Female Athlete award at the Kids' Choice Awards in 2008.
2008: Sixth Place Finish in the IndyCar Series Driver Standings
Danica Patrick achieved a commendable sixth place finish in the IndyCar Series driver standings in 2008.
2008: Faced Criticism and Scrutiny Over Weight and Performance
Before her historic win at the 2008 Indy Japan 300, Danica Patrick faced criticism from commentators and fans who questioned whether her weight gave her an unfair advantage on the track. These criticisms were ultimately dismissed by Indy Racing League president Brian Barnhart, who asserted that her weight had a negligible impact on competition.
February 1, 2009: Danica Patrick's Super Bowl XLIII Commercials
Danica Patrick was featured in two GoDaddy commercials that aired during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009. Notably, her "Enhancement" ad became the most-watched Super Bowl commercial of that year, according to TiVo.
2009: Record-Breaking Indianapolis 500 Finish and Contract Extension
Danica Patrick achieved her best result at the Indianapolis 500 in 2009, finishing third and setting a new record for women drivers. She also secured a contract extension with Andretti Green Racing for two more seasons, with an option for 2012.
2009: Considered for Time 100 Most Influential People
Danica Patrick's influence extended beyond the realm of sports in 2009 when Time magazine considered her as a candidate for their list of the 100 most influential people in the world, underscoring her growing cultural impact.
2009: US F1 Considered Danica Patrick
The American Formula One team, US F1, reportedly considered Danica Patrick for a potential drive in 2010. However, Patrick stated that she wasn't contacted by the team and remained committed to the IndyCar Series.
February 10, 2010: Danica Patrick's Acting Debut on "CSI: NY"
On February 10, 2010, Danica Patrick made her acting debut in an episode of "CSI: NY." She played the role of a race car driver suspected of murder.
2010: Danica Patrick's 2010 IndyCar Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series Debut
In 2010, Danica Patrick returned to IndyCar with Andretti Autosport and began racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports. Her season had a mixed start, with a 15th-place finish in São Paulo and her first top-ten finish in St. Petersburg. She struggled at the Indianapolis 500 but achieved her best result of the season with a second-place finish at the Firestone 550. Patrick set a new record for consecutive races running at the finish and ended the season tenth in the IndyCar standings.
2010: Danica Patrick's Unpursued Formula One Opportunity
Despite rumors of a potential Formula One drive in 2010, Danica Patrick confirmed she had no contact with the US F1 team and was not planning to leave the IndyCar Series at that time.
2010: Ranked Among the Most Powerful People in Sports and Women
Danica Patrick's influence in sports continued to be acknowledged in 2010, as Bloomberg Businessweek ranked her as the 88th most powerful person in the world of sports. Additionally, Forbes included her in their list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, signifying her broader impact beyond motorsports.
2010: Decline in Performance in IndyCar
Danica Patrick experienced a decline in her overall performance in the IndyCar Series in 2010.
2010: NASCAR Nationwide Series Debut
Danica Patrick embarked on a new chapter in her racing career in 2010 by making her debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series).
2010: Voted IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver
Danica Patrick's consistent popularity among IndyCar fans was evident as she continued to receive the IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver award in 2010.
January 2011: Danica Patrick Informs Andretti Autosport of Departure Plans
In January 2011, Danica Patrick informed Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti of her intention to leave the team following the 2012 season, as per her contract obligations.
August 2011: Danica Patrick Announces Focus on NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series
In August 2011, Danica Patrick announced her plans to shift her focus to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series full-time starting in 2012. This marked a significant turning point in her career as she transitioned away from IndyCar racing.
2011: Fourth-Place Finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the Nationwide Series
Danica Patrick achieved her best result in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2011 with a notable fourth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
2011: Danica Patrick's Record-Breaking Season in NASCAR Nationwide Series
In 2011, Danica Patrick continued racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports. She made history by becoming the highest-finishing woman in national NASCAR history at Las Vegas, surpassing Sara Christian's long-standing record. Despite facing challenges, she achieved several top-ten finishes, showcasing her growing prowess in stock car racing.
2011: Departure from IndyCar to Focus on Stock Car Racing
In 2011, Danica Patrick made the decision to depart from IndyCar racing to pursue a full-time career in stock car racing.
2012: Danica Patrick Makes History with Pole Position in DRIVE4COPD 300
In 2012, Danica Patrick continued to break barriers in NASCAR. She secured the pole position for the DRIVE4COPD 300, becoming the second woman in history to achieve this feat in national NASCAR. This achievement highlighted her talent and determination as she competed in her first full-time Nationwide Series season.
2012: Bernie Ecclestone on Danica Patrick in Formula One
With Formula One's return to the United States in 2012, Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone publicly acknowledged the promotional potential of having Danica Patrick in Formula One, calling her a "perfect advert."
2012: Objects to Sex Symbol Label
In a 2012 interview with Fox News, Danica Patrick expressed her discomfort with being labeled a sex symbol, arguing that the term reflects a societal struggle to describe attractive women without resorting to such labels.
2012: Danica Patrick's Move to NASCAR
In 2012, Danica Patrick made a significant career move by joining NASCAR full-time. She competed in the Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports and started a limited schedule in the Sprint Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing.
2012: Tenth Place Finish in the Nationwide Series Standings and Sprint Cup Series Debut
In 2012, Danica Patrick achieved a career-high tenth place finish in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings. This same year, she also made her debut in the Sprint Cup Series (now NASCAR Cup Series).
2012: Voted NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver
Danica Patrick's transition to NASCAR did not diminish her popularity among fans, as she was voted the NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver in 2012.
2012: Contract Option with Andretti Green Racing
Danica Patrick's contract extension in 2009 with Andretti Green Racing included an option for the 2012 season.
2012: Began Relationship with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Danica Patrick embarked on a romantic relationship with fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2012.
June 2013: Criticized as a "Marketing Machine" by Kyle Petty
In June 2013, former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty sparked controversy by calling Danica Patrick a "marketing machine," implying that her racing abilities were secondary to her marketability.
2013: Divorced Paul Edward Hospenthal
Danica Patrick and Paul Edward Hospenthal's marriage ended in divorce in 2013.
2013: First Woman to Win a Cup Series Pole Position and Eighth Place Finish in the Daytona 500
Danica Patrick continued to break barriers in 2013 by becoming the first woman to win a pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series, achieving this feat at the Daytona 500. She went on to finish the race in eighth place.
2013: Ranked Second in Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete
Danica Patrick maintained her position as a fan favorite, ranking second behind Serena Williams in the Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete category once again in 2013.
2013: Danica Patrick's Pole Position in 2013 Earns Her Eligibility for Sprint Unlimited
Danica Patrick's historic pole win at the 2013 Daytona 500 earned her a coveted spot in the 2014 Sprint Unlimited race. This marked a significant achievement, highlighting her consistent performance at the top level of NASCAR racing.
2013: Won Favorite Female Athlete at the Kids' Choice Awards
Danica Patrick's popularity among young fans remained strong, as she was once again awarded the Favorite Female Athlete title at the Kids' Choice Awards in 2013.
2013: Danica Patrick Makes History at the Daytona 500
In 2013, Danica Patrick etched her name into the annals of motorsports history with a groundbreaking performance at the Daytona 500. She shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to clinch the pole position for the prestigious race. Patrick's remarkable run continued as she led laps during the race and ultimately finished eighth, solidifying her place as the highest-placing female driver in Daytona 500 history. Her accomplishment transcended the sport, inspiring countless individuals and demonstrating the power of determination and skill on racing's biggest stage.
February 2014: Criticized by Richard Petty for Lack of Wins
Adding fuel to the fire, Richard Petty, Kyle Petty's father and a prominent figure in NASCAR, openly criticized Danica Patrick for her lack of race wins during an appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo in February 2014.
2014: Danica Patrick Achieves Historic Firsts in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
During the 2014 Sprint Cup Series, Danica Patrick continued to break new ground for women in racing. She achieved several historic firsts, including becoming the first woman to lead a lap at the Aaron's 499 and securing the best qualifying position for a female driver at a non-restrictor plate track at the Coca-Cola 600. These achievements further cemented her legacy as a pioneer in motorsports.
2014: Joined The Players' Tribune as a Featured Writer
In 2014, drawn to the concept of athletes controlling their own narratives, Danica Patrick joined "The Players' Tribune" as a featured writer. The platform was founded by former shortstop Derek Jeter.
February 21, 2015: Danica Patrick Joins NASCAR on Fox as Analyst
Expanding her career beyond racing, Danica Patrick joined NASCAR on Fox as a booth analyst for Xfinity Series races on February 21, 2015. She provided commentary for the race at Michigan, showcasing her knowledge and insights into the sport.
2015: Breaking the Record for Most Top-Ten Finishes by a Woman in the Sprint Cup Series
In 2015, Danica Patrick surpassed Janet Guthrie's record for the most top-ten finishes by a woman in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
2015: Danica Patrick's Continued Success and Crew Chief Change in 2015
In 2015, Danica Patrick aimed to build upon her previous successes in the Sprint Cup Series. A notable change for the season was the appointment of Daniel Knost as her full-time crew chief, reflecting a strategic move to enhance her performance.
2015: Danica Patrick's 2015 NASCAR Season
In 2015, Danica Patrick continued with Stewart-Haas Racing for the Sprint Cup Series. She achieved two top-ten finishes, a seventh-place finish at the STP 500 and ninth at the Food City 500, making her the female driver with the most top-ten finishes in the series history. Patrick's season was marked by a probation and fine for intentional wrecking of David Gilliland's car during the fall Martinsville race. Despite this, she concluded the season 24th in driver standings, her highest ranking to that point.
2015: Ranked Second in Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete
Danica Patrick continued to be a highly regarded figure in sports, as she once again placed second to Serena Williams in the Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete category in 2015.
2015: Danica Patrick Declines Formula One
By 2015, Danica Patrick expressed no interest in transitioning to Formula One. She cited her age as a factor and her comfort level with NASCAR and being close to her family and friends.
2016: Danica Patrick Voices Character in "Blaze and the Monster Machines"
Adding to her diverse portfolio, Danica Patrick lent her voice to the character Rally in the Nickelodeon animated series "Blaze and the Monster Machines" in 2016.
2016: Danica Patrick's 2016 NASCAR Season
During the 2016 NASCAR season, Danica Patrick stayed with Stewart-Haas Racing. She experienced both setbacks, including a crash at the Daytona 500 and a fine for gesturing at another driver, and improvements, like achieving a career-best average result for the fifth consecutive year. Although she maintained her 24th position in the final driver standings, her overall points decreased from the previous season.
June 2017: Danica Patrick Joins Fox's Cup Driver-Only Broadcast
In June 2017, Danica Patrick joined Fox's Cup driver-only broadcast for the Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway, further demonstrating her expertise and involvement in racing coverage.
2017: Ended Relationship with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s relationship came to an end in 2017.
2017: Danica Patrick's Final Full-Time NASCAR Season
Danica Patrick continued her racing career with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2017. She achieved her best NASCAR Cup Series race finish, a fourth place, at the Advance Auto Parts Clash. However, she announced in November 2017 that she would retire from full-time racing following the season finale. Despite a challenging season, she earned a top-ten finish at Dover, her first in seventy-seven races.
2017: End of Full-Time Racing Career
Danica Patrick's full-time racing career came to an end after the 2017 season.
2017: Characterized as an "Anti-Mulan" by Andrew Lawrence
In a 2017 article for The Guardian, Andrew Lawrence described Danica Patrick as an "anti-Mulan" figure. He argued that she thrived in a male-dominated field while embracing her femininity. Lawrence also suggested she embodies both male and female fantasies, championing feminist ideals through her daily life.
January 2018: Danica Patrick's "Danica Double" Sponsorship and Final NASCAR Race
In January 2018, Danica Patrick announced a partnership with GoDaddy for her "Danica Double," sponsoring her participation in the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. She competed in her final Daytona 500 driving for Premium Motorsports, ending her NASCAR career without a win.
March 7, 2018: Danica Patrick's Final Indianapolis 500 Announcement
On March 7, 2018, it was confirmed that Danica Patrick would participate in her final Indianapolis 500 race, driving a third car for Ed Carpenter Racing. This marked the second part of her "Danica Double."
July 18, 2018: Danica Patrick Hosts ESPY Awards
Danica Patrick achieved a significant milestone on July 18, 2018, when she became the first woman to host the ESPY Awards. This highlighted her prominence and influence in the sports world.
2018: Danica Patrick's "Danica Double"
While announcing her retirement from full-time racing in 2017, Danica Patrick revealed her plans to compete in the 2018 Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, which became known as the "Danica Double." This decision marked a transition in her career.
2018: Began Relationship with Aaron Rodgers
In 2018, Danica Patrick began dating Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, marking a high-profile relationship between two prominent athletes.
2018: Danica Patrick's Final Race at the Indianapolis 500
Danica Patrick's racing career culminated in 2018 with her final race at the Indianapolis 500. Unfortunately, she crashed out of the race on Lap 68, ending her career with a 30th-place finish.
2018: Received the Legend Award at the Kids' Choice Sports Awards
Danica Patrick's lasting impact on motorsports and her status as a role model were recognized at the 2018 Kids' Choice Sports Awards, where she received the prestigious Legend Award.
2018: Final Races and Retirement
Danica Patrick participated in her final races, the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, in 2018 before officially announcing her retirement from professional racing.
August 2019: Launch of "Pretty Intense" Podcast
In August 2019, Danica Patrick launched her weekly podcast, "Pretty Intense," where she delves into topics like success, spirituality, and consciousness with various guests.
2020: Ended Relationship with Aaron Rodgers
Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers' relationship ended in 2020.
2021: Formula 1 Punditry and Superstar Racing Experience Commentary
Danica Patrick joined the Sky Sports F1 broadcast team as a pundit for the 2021 United States Grand Prix. She also provided commentary for Superstar Racing Experience events on CBS in 2021.
2021: Reported Relationship with Carter Comstock
Reports emerged in 2021 linking Danica Patrick romantically with American businessman Carter Comstock.
2022: Confirmed End of Relationship with Carter Comstock
Danica Patrick publicly confirmed in 2022 that her relationship with Carter Comstock had ended.
2022: Guest NASCAR Cup Series Commentary
In 2022, Danica Patrick took on the role of guest color commentator for NASCAR Cup Series races at Las Vegas and Phoenix for Fox.
June 2023: Criticized for Discussing Alien DNA on Podcast
Danica Patrick drew criticism in June 2023 for engaging in a discussion about the potential involvement of extraterrestrial life in human DNA on her podcast.
2023: Continued NASCAR Cup Series Commentary
Danica Patrick continued her role as a guest color commentator for NASCAR Cup Series races at Las Vegas and Phoenix for Fox in 2023.
June 2024: Dropped from Sky Sports F1 for Reptilian Shapeshifter Discussion
In June 2024, Danica Patrick's involvement in a conversation about reptilian shapeshifters on her podcast resulted in her removal from Sky Sports F1's broadcast team for the Austrian Grand Prix, highlighting the potential consequences of promoting such theories.
2024: Formula 1 Documentary Series Pundit
Danica Patrick joined the sixth season of the Netflix documentary series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" as a pundit in 2024.