Danica Patrick just keeps making history. Patrick has broken down walls for women drivers not only in Indy car racing but NASCAR as well, and today she has once again claimed a piece of history.
ESPN reported on Feb. 17 that Patrick won the Daytona 500 pole Sunday, becoming the first woman to secure the top spot for any race in NASCAR's premier circuit.
Winning the pole for what is widely known as the biggest race in America has to be the biggest achievement in Patrick's racing career so far - that is until she can pull off a win in a race of this magnitude.
Patrick knows until she wins a few races, it will be hard to break the stereotype of her being known as not just a great woman racer, but a great racer period.
"I was brought up to be the fastest driver, not the fastest girl," she said. "That was instilled in me from very young, from the beginning. Then I feel like thriving in those moments, where the pressure's on, has also been a help for me. I also feel like I've been lucky in my career to be with good teams and have good people around me. I don't think any of it would have been possible without that.
"For those reasons, I've been lucky enough to make history, be the first woman to do many things. I really just hope that I don't stop doing that. We have a lot more history to make. We are excited to do it."
Patrick topped out at 196.434 mph around Daytona International Speedway track, which is impressive for any driver!
Danica comes into the Daytona 500 at 75/1 odds to win, but she sure isn't looking like a long shot underdog so far.
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