Danica Patrick's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Danica Patrick is an American former professional racing driver and model notable for her success in traditionally male-dominated motorsports. Competing in IndyCar (2005-2011) and NASCAR (2012-2018), she achieved the distinction of being the most successful woman in American open-wheel car racing history. Her victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300 marks the only IndyCar win by a female driver, solidifying her place in racing history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: World Karting Association Grand National Championship Win

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

1996: Karting Titles

In 1996, Danica Patrick continued to win karting titles, showcasing her early racing talent.

1997: World Karting Association 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 and recognized as the top female open wheel race car driver with experience on the international scene.

2002: Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Win

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

2004: Toyota Atlantic Series Standings

In the 2004 season, Danica Patrick achieved her best result in the Toyota Atlantic Series, finishing third in the championship standings. She also became the first woman to win a pole position in the series.

2005: IndyCar Series Debut and Rookie of the Year Awards

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

2005: IndyCar Debut and Rookie Season

In 2005, Danica Patrick debuted in the IndyCar Series, achieving multiple firsts for women, including a pole position and finishing fourth at the Indianapolis 500. She was named Rookie of the Year for both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series. In 2005, Sarah Fisher was the second woman in IndyCar Series history to achieve the feat after Sarah Fisher in 2002.

2005: IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver

In 2005, Danica Patrick was voted the IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver.

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, finishing ninth in the final standings and being named Sportswoman of the Year by the March of Dimes. The quartet was in contention for the victory, but retired from overheating problems. Although she qualified third for the season-opening Toyota Indy 300, her team withdrew after teammate Paul Dana was killed in a practice session accident on the day of the race.

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's Favorite Female Athlete - Second Place

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

2007: Sexiest Athlete in Victoria's Secret List

In 2007, Danica Patrick was voted the sexiest athlete in the Victoria's Secret "What is Sexy" list.

2008: Ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek

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

2008: 2008 Season Highlights

In 2008, Danica Patrick achieved her then-best career Homestead finish of sixth, followed by a tenth-place finish at St. Petersburg. On April 20, 2008, at the Indy Japan 300, she secured her maiden IndyCar victory, becoming the first woman to win a top-level open-wheel car racing event. She finished 19th at Kansas Speedway due to a hub failure and retired early from the Indianapolis 500 after a collision. She ended the season with three more top-ten finishes, placing her sixth overall, making her the highest-placed American driver of the season.

2008: Kids' Choice Award - Favorite Female Athlete

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

2008: Indy Japan 300 Victory

In 2008, Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300, marking the only IndyCar win by a woman to date.

2009: 2009 Season

In 2009, Danica Patrick participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing eighth. She returned to Andretti Green Racing for the 2009 IndyCar season, placing nineteenth in St. Petersburg after a clash. She achieved fourth and fifth positions in Long Beach and Kansas, respectively. At the Indianapolis 500, she finished third, setting a new record for the highest-placed female finish. She secured seven more top-ten finishes and ended the season fifth overall, marking her highest finish to date.

2009: Time Magazine Candidate

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

2010: Ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek and Time Magazine

In 2010, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Danica Patrick the 88th most powerful person in the world of sports, Time magazine named her a candidate for the 100 most influential people in the world, and she was 93rd on the magazine's list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.

2010: IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver

In 2010, Danica Patrick was voted the IndyCar Series Most Popular Driver.

2012: NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver

In 2012, Danica Patrick was voted the NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver.

2013: Daytona 500 Pole Position

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, finishing eighth.

2013: Harris Poll's Favorite Female Athlete - Second Place

In 2013, Danica Patrick placed second behind Serena Williams as the Harris Poll's favorite female athlete.

2013: 2013 Sprint Cup Season

In 2013, Danica Patrick returned to Stewart-Haas Racing for her first full season in the Sprint Cup Series. She became the first woman to clinch the pole position for the Daytona 500 and finished eighth in the race, making her the highest-placing woman driver in the history of the Daytona 500. She led five laps, joining an elite club of drivers to have led both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. In the Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway, she finished ninth and advanced to the Sprint All-Star Race.