Danica Patrick has become the first woman ever to win a race in IndyCar history following her triumph in the Indy Japan 300 on Sunday.
26-year-old is first woman to win IndyCar race
Danica Patrick has become the first woman to win a race in IndyCar history following her triumph in the Indy Japan 300 on Sunday.
The 26-year-old claimed victory in her 50th career start with a combination of cool composure and fuel strategy on the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval.
Patrick took the lead from pole-sitter Helio Castroneves on the 198th lap of the 200-lap race and finished the race 5.859 seconds ahead of the Brazilian.
"I'm glad it finally happened," she said. "But I would be lying if I told you I didn't think it would be me.
"When it actually happened, maybe it was a little anti-climactic. Then the emotions came out and that was a little girly of me. My dad said it was the best day of his life."
Patrick also paid tribute to her Andretti Green Racing team-mates for helping her make the right decisions.
"When I had to talk into my radio after the race, all I could say was 'thank you'," she added. "It was a fuel strategy race, but my team called it perfectly for me."
"I knew I was on the same strategy as Helio and when I passed him for the lead, I couldn't believe it. This is fabulous."
