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, renowned as the most successful woman in American open-wheel car racing history. Her landmark victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300 remains the only IndyCar Series race ever won by a female driver. Throughout her career, she broke barriers and achieved significant milestones in a male-dominated sport, becoming a recognizable figure both on and off the track.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: World Karting Association Grand National Championship

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

1996: Karting Title

In 1996, Danica Patrick won a regional karting title.

1997: Karting Title

In 1997, Danica Patrick won a regional karting title.

2001: Gorsline Scholarship Award

In 2001, Danica Patrick was awarded the Gorsline Scholarship Award as the most aspiring road course competitor and was recognized as the top female open wheel race car driver with experience on the international scene.

2002: Sarah Fisher's pole position

In 2005, Danica Patrick became the second woman in IndyCar Series history to achieve a pole position after Sarah Fisher did so in 2002.

2004: First woman to win pole position

In 2004, Danica Patrick competed in the Toyota Atlantic Series for the second consecutive year, becoming the first woman to win a pole position in series' history at the Portland International Raceway race. She ended the season third in points.

2004: Toyota Atlantic Series Pole Position

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

2005: IndyCar Series Debut and Rookie of the Year

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.

2006: Endurance Racing Debut and Season with Rahal Letterman Racing

In 2006, Danica Patrick made her endurance racing debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona, co-driving a Pontiac Crawford. She continued her IndyCar campaign with Rahal Letterman Racing, finishing ninth in the final standings. She also received the title of Sportswoman of the Year from 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: Second Favorite Female Athlete

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

2007: Sexiest Athlete and FHM's 100 Sexiest Women

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

2008: Ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek

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

2008: Indy Japan 300 Victory

In 2008, Danica Patrick achieved a historic victory at the Indy Japan 300, marking the only win by a woman in an IndyCar Series race.

2008: Maiden IndyCar Victory at Indy Japan 300

In 2008, Danica Patrick secured her maiden IndyCar victory at the Indy Japan 300 held at Twin Ring Motegi on April 20th. She moved to the front with three laps remaining after previous leaders pitted for fuel, becoming the first woman to win a top-level open-wheel racing event.

2008: Indy Japan 300 Victory and Sixth in Standings

In 2008, Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300 and placed sixth overall in the drivers' standings.

2009: Candidate for Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

2010: Ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek, Time Magazine, and Forbes

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. She was also 93rd on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women. Her endorsement deals generated a Q Score—the industry's measure of celebrities' likability—peak of 29.

2013: First Woman to Clinch Daytona 500 Pole Position

In 2013, Danica Patrick became the first woman to clinch the pole position for the Daytona 500 and the first female to achieve this in the Sprint Cup Series. She finished eighth in the race, becoming the highest-placing woman driver in Daytona 500 history. She also led 5 laps joining an elite club of only 14 drivers to have led both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500.

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 in the race.