Danica Patrick broke records as a female in the male-dominated NASCAR world. Here are a few of the most interesting facts about this influential driver.

1. Danica Patrick dropped out of her high school in Beloit, Wisconsin, to pursue racing.
2. After dropping out, Patrick moved to England to begin her career. While there, she placed second at the Formula Ford Festival and became the first woman—and the first American—to place that high in the event.
3. Patrick was only the fourth woman ever to race the Indianapolis 500, and her fourth place finish was the highest place ever earned by a female driver. She also lead the race for a full 19 laps, making her the first woman ever to do so.
4. Patrick became the first woman to ever win an IndyCar race in 2008, and she came in third place in the Indianapolis 500 the next year.
5. Patrick was so influential in the media that she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated and became a host on Spike TV. She also penned an autobiography, Danica: Crossing the Line.

Danica Patrick [Biography]
Lucky #7 [Danica Patrick]
Danica Patrick [TV Guide]

Public Domain/Public Domain