Danica Patrick's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Danica Patrick.

Danica Patrick is a retired American professional racing driver and model. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel car racing. Her landmark achievement includes a victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300, marking the only instance of a woman winning an IndyCar Series race. This win solidified her place in racing history, demonstrating her skill and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Won WKA Grand National Championship

In 1994, Danica Patrick won the World Karting Association Grand National Championship in the Yamaha Sportsman class.

1996: Won WKA Grand National Championship

In 1996, Danica Patrick won the World Karting Association Grand National Championship in the HPV class.

1997: Won WKA Grand National Championship

In 1997, Danica Patrick won the World Karting Association Grand National Championship in the HPV class.

2001: Gorsline Scholarship Award

In 2001, Danica Patrick was awarded the Gorsline Scholarship Award as the most aspiring road course competitor.

2002: Won Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

In 2002, Danica Patrick won the professional class in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and placed third overall.

2002: Sarah Fisher First Indycar Woman Pole

In 2005, Danica Patrick took her first career pole position at the season's eighth race at Kansas Speedway, becoming the second woman in IndyCar Series history to achieve the feat after Sarah Fisher in 2002.

2003: First Podium for a Woman in Toyota Atlantic Series

In 2003, Danica Patrick secured the first podium finish for a woman in the Toyota Atlantic Series' history at the season-opening race in Monterey.

2004: First Woman to Win Pole Position in Toyota Atlantic Series

In 2004, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win a pole position in the Toyota Atlantic Series at the Portland International Raceway race. She also led the points standings, becoming the first woman to do so, and ended the season third in points.

2004: Third in Toyota Atlantic Series Championship

In the 2004 season, Danica Patrick finished third in the Toyota Atlantic Series championship standings and became the first woman to win a pole position in the series.

2005: Most Popular Driver Award

From 2005 to 2010, Danica Patrick was voted the IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver.

2005: IndyCar Series Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Danica Patrick began driving in the IndyCar Series with Rahal Letterman Racing, achieving three pole positions and earning the Rookie of the Year award for both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series.

2006: Endurance Racing Debut and IndyCar Season

In 2006, Danica Patrick made her endurance racing debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona and continued her IndyCar campaign with Rahal Letterman Racing, achieving a season-high placing of consecutive fourth-position finishes. She was also awarded Sportswoman of the Year by the March of Dimes.

2006: Named One of the Most Beautiful People

In 2006, People magazine named Danica Patrick one of the most beautiful people in the world.

2007: Harris Poll Ranking

In 2007, Danica Patrick placed second behind Serena Williams in the Harris Poll's favorite female athlete list.

2007: Sexiest Athlete and FHM Ranking

In 2007, Danica Patrick was voted the sexiest athlete in Victoria's Secret "What is Sexy" list and ranked No. 85 in FHM's 100 sexiest women in the world.

2008: Bloomberg Businessweek Ranking

In 2008, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Danica Patrick the 50th most powerful person in the world of sports.

2008: Maiden IndyCar Victory

In 2008, Danica Patrick secured her maiden IndyCar victory at the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi on April 20 after moving to the front of the field with three laps remaining. She became the first woman to win a top-level sanctioned open wheel car racing event.

2008: Kids' Choice Award

In 2008, Danica Patrick was voted the Favorite Female Athlete at the Kids' Choice Award.

2008: Indy Japan 300 Victory

In 2008, Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first and only woman to win an IndyCar Series race.

2009: Time Magazine Candidate

In 2009, Time magazine named Danica Patrick as a candidate for the 100 most influential people in the world.

2010: Most Popular Driver Award

From 2005 to 2010, Danica Patrick was voted the IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver.

2010: Rankings and Endorsement Deals

In 2010, Danica Patrick was ranked 88th most powerful person in sports by Bloomberg Businessweek, considered for Time's 100 most influential, peaked at number eight in the Davie-Brown Index, and was 93rd on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women. Her endorsement deals generated a Q Score peak of 29.

2012: NASCAR Most Popular Driver

In 2012, Danica Patrick was voted the NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver and favorite female athlete at the Kids' Choice Award in 2008, 2012 and 2013.

2013: Harris Poll Ranking

From 2013 to 2015, Danica Patrick placed second behind Serena Williams in the Harris Poll's favorite female athlete list. Between 2007 and 2013, she appeared on Forbes' list of the 100 highest paid celebrities four times.

2013: Won Cup Series Pole Position at Daytona 500

In 2013, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win a Cup Series pole position by setting the fastest qualifying lap for the Daytona 500, and she finished eighth in the race.

2013: First Full Season in Sprint Cup Series

In 2013, Danica Patrick contested her first full season in the Sprint Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing. She became the first woman to clinch the pole position for the Daytona 500 and finished eighth in the race, the highest placing woman driver in the history of the Daytona 500.