Patrick, who was also the first woman to win an IndyCar event in 2008, has
become such an American trailblazer that she has already appeared in more
advertisements during the Super Bowl than any other athlete.
Standing just 5ft 1in tall, she began her senior racing career in Britain when
she left her home state of Illinois to drive in Formula Ford alongside
ex-Formula One driver Anthony Davidson.
On the eve of her defining test today at Daytona, she said: “I’ve been lucky
enough to make history, to be the first woman to do many things.
“I hope that I don’t stop doing that. We have a lot more history to make.”
She achieved her Daytona pole with a top qualifying speed of 196.434mph, the
fastest qualifying speed recorded at the track since 1990.
Her raw pace is no longer in question, even if rival Robby Gordon once argued
that her low body weight compared to male drivers constituted an unfair
advantage.
A switch to Formula One has long been mooted for Patrick, although reigning
triple world champion Sebastian
Vettel believes such a move is unlikely.
“Hats off to Danica for her achievements, but motor racing in the US just has
a completely different culture,” the German driver said.
The Daytona race today has a personal as well as professional dimension for
Patrick, given that she recently began dating Nascar rookie Ricky Stenhouse
Jnr, who starts on the grid behind her in 28th place.