NASCAR

Danica Patrick's NASCAR career

Danica Patrick, born March 25, 1982, in Beloit, Wis., made her NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 2010 and her Sprint Cup debut in 2012.
Danica Patrick, born March 25, 1982, in Beloit, Wis., made her NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 2010 and her Sprint Cup debut in 2012.
Michael Thomas Shroyer, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick sits in her car during practice at Dover International Speedway on June 2, 2017. Patrick would go on to finish 10th in the AAA 400, for her first top-10 in more than two years.
Danica Patrick sits in her car during practice at Dover International Speedway on June 2, 2017. Patrick would go on to finish 10th in the AAA 400, for her first top-10 in more than two years.
Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick received primary sponsorship from Nature's Bakery in the 2016 season, but Stewart-Haas Racing sued the snack food company for more than $31 million in early 2017, claiming that Nature's Bakery has reneged on payments.
Danica Patrick received primary sponsorship from Nature's Bakery in the 2016 season, but Stewart-Haas Racing sued the snack food company for more than $31 million in early 2017, claiming that Nature's Bakery has reneged on payments.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick finished 16th at Martinsville Speedway on April 3, 2016.
Danica Patrick finished 16th at Martinsville Speedway on April 3, 2016.
Michael Thomas Shroyer, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick pits while qualifying for the Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. She started 18th.
Danica Patrick pits while qualifying for the Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. She started 18th.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sp
Danica Patrick flips the coin at the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl between the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Toledo Rockets at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 4.
Danica Patrick flips the coin at the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl between the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Toledo Rockets at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 4.
Michael Chang, Getty Images
Danica Patrick finished a Sprint Cup career-best 7th at the 5-Hour Energy 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 10, 2014.
Danica Patrick finished a Sprint Cup career-best 7th at the 5-Hour Energy 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 10, 2014.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick (10) became the first female driver to lead laps at Talladega Superspeedway during the Aaron's 499 on May 4, 2014.
Danica Patrick (10) became the first female driver to lead laps at Talladega Superspeedway during the Aaron's 499 on May 4, 2014.
Butch Dill, AP
Danica Patrick holds Kevin Harvick's son Keelan before the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, 2014.
Danica Patrick holds Kevin Harvick's son Keelan before the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, 2014.
Rainier Ehrhardt, AP
Danica Patrick, left, and and country singer Trace Adkins hosted the American Country Awards at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 10, 2013.
Danica Patrick, left, and and country singer Trace Adkins hosted the American Country Awards at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 10, 2013.
Frank Micelotta, Invision/AP
Danica Patrick (10), the first woman to start from a Cup pole, leads Jeff Gordon (24) to the green flag at the 2013 Daytona 500.
Danica Patrick (10), the first woman to start from a Cup pole, leads Jeff Gordon (24) to the green flag at the 2013 Daytona 500.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports
By virtue of winning the pole, Danica Patrick got to pick the first pit stall for the 2013 Daytona 500.
By virtue of winning the pole, Danica Patrick got to pick the first pit stall for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick waves to the crowd as she is introduced before the 2013 Daytona 500.
Danica Patrick waves to the crowd as she is introduced before the 2013 Daytona 500.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick waves to her fans after making NASCAR history by becoming the first woman to win a Sprint Cup pole. Patrick qualified first for the 2013 Daytona 500 on Feb. 17.
Danica Patrick waves to her fans after making NASCAR history by becoming the first woman to win a Sprint Cup pole. Patrick qualified first for the 2013 Daytona 500 on Feb. 17.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick poses with the pole winner sign after becoming the first woman to win the Daytona 500 pole position on Feb. 17, 2013.
Danica Patrick poses with the pole winner sign after becoming the first woman to win the Daytona 500 pole position on Feb. 17, 2013.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Danica Patrick is nothing but smiles as she addresses the media after winning the pole position for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Danica Patrick is nothing but smiles as she addresses the media after winning the pole position for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick was the eighth driver out on the track during qualifying for the 2013 Daytona 500. She posted a speed of 196.434 mph, which held up throughout the day.
Danica Patrick was the eighth driver out on the track during qualifying for the 2013 Daytona 500. She posted a speed of 196.434 mph, which held up throughout the day.
Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick prepares before heading out onto the track during qualifying for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Danica Patrick prepares before heading out onto the track during qualifying for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports
Danica Patrick walks from her hauler to her garage during practice for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2013.
Danica Patrick walks from her hauler to her garage during practice for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2013.
Phelan M. Ebenhack, AP
Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went public with their romantic crelationship in early 2013 after rumors swirled about the fellow Sprint Cup rookies.
Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went public with their romantic crelationship in early 2013 after rumors swirled about the fellow Sprint Cup rookies.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Danica Patrick applies makeup before a television interview during NASCAR media day at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 2013.
Danica Patrick applies makeup before a television interview during NASCAR media day at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 2013.
John Raoux, AP
Danica Patrick gets a hand from her crew as she prepares to take the track for qualifying practice for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Danica Patrick gets a hand from her crew as she prepares to take the track for qualifying practice for the 2013 Daytona 500.
Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images
Danica Patrick has formed a tight bond with her team owner and fellow competitor Tony Stewart.
Danica Patrick has formed a tight bond with her team owner and fellow competitor Tony Stewart.
Davis Turner For USA TODAY Sports
In preparation for her first full season as a Sprint Cup driver, Danica Patrick speaks with the press during the NASCAR Media Tour on Jan. 21, 2013.
In preparation for her first full season as a Sprint Cup driver, Danica Patrick speaks with the press during the NASCAR Media Tour on Jan. 21, 2013.
Jeff Siner, AP
Danica Patrick high-fives fans prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Danica Patrick high-fives fans prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
Danica Patrick (10) lands on top of Paul Menard during a crash on the final lap of the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Danica Patrick (10) lands on top of Paul Menard during a crash on the final lap of the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images For NASCAR
Danica Patrick behind the wheel during practice for the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Danica Patrick behind the wheel during practice for the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images For NASCAR
Danica Patrick is introduced before the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Patrick would go on to finish a career- and season-best 24th.
Danica Patrick is introduced before the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Patrick would go on to finish a career- and season-best 24th.
Jerome Miron, US Presswire
Danica Patrick takes on tires and fuel during a pit stop at the Nov. 4 AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race. Patrick was one of 25 drivers to finish on the lead lap.
Danica Patrick takes on tires and fuel during a pit stop at the Nov. 4 AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race. Patrick was one of 25 drivers to finish on the lead lap.
Tom Pennington, Getty Images
Danica Patrick finished 24th at the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 4.
Danica Patrick finished 24th at the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 4.
Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images For NASCAR
Danica Patrick waves to the fans during driver introductions at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept 2, 2012 in Hampton, Georgia.
Danica Patrick waves to the fans during driver introductions at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept 2, 2012 in Hampton, Georgia.
By John Harrelson, Getty Images
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick during qualifying for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Aug 31, 2012.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick during qualifying for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Aug 31, 2012.
By Kevin Liles, US Presswire
Danica Patrick presents the award for Best Team onstage with NBA player Steve Nash at the 2012 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A on July 11, 2012.
Danica Patrick presents the award for Best Team onstage with NBA player Steve Nash at the 2012 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A on July 11, 2012.
By Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Danica Patrick, driver of the #10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sept 30, 2012.
Danica Patrick, driver of the #10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sept 30, 2012.
By Tom Pennington, Getty Images
Pat Summitt, left, head coach emeritus of the Tennessee women's basketball team, greets Danica Patrick before the Food City 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race on Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, in Bristol, Tenn. Summitt was the grand marshal of the race.
Pat Summitt, left, head coach emeritus of the Tennessee women's basketball team, greets Danica Patrick before the Food City 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race on Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, in Bristol, Tenn. Summitt was the grand marshal of the race.
By Mark Humphrey, AP
Danica Patrick starts her car prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug 24, 2012 in Bristol, Tennessee.
Danica Patrick starts her car prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug 24, 2012 in Bristol, Tennessee.
By Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images
Danica Patrick sits down for an interview with Pardon the Interruption co-hosts Tony Kornheiser, left, and Michael Wilbon on Feb 21, 2012.
Danica Patrick sits down for an interview with Pardon the Interruption co-hosts Tony Kornheiser, left, and Michael Wilbon on Feb 21, 2012.
By H. Darr Beiser, USA Today
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick crashes during the IRWIN Tools Night Race a Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug 25, 2012.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick crashes during the IRWIN Tools Night Race a Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug 25, 2012.
By Andrew Weber, US Presswire
Danica Patrick waves to fans during driver introductions prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 26, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Danica Patrick waves to fans during driver introductions prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 26, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
By Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images For NASCAR
Danica Patrick waves before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Sunday, July 1, 2012.
Danica Patrick waves before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Sunday, July 1, 2012.
By Nam Y. Huh, AP
Danica Patrick greets fans on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct 12, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C.
Danica Patrick greets fans on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct 12, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C.
By Tyler Barrick, Getty Images For NASCAR
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick (left) leads a pack of cars during the AAA 400 at Dover Speedway on Sept 30, 2012.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick (left) leads a pack of cars during the AAA 400 at Dover Speedway on Sept 30, 2012.
Jerry Lai, US Presswire
NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Danica Patrick (10) talks to the media during practice for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 11, 2012.
NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Danica Patrick (10) talks to the media during practice for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 11, 2012.
By Peter Casey, US Presswire
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick during practice for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2012.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick during practice for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2012.
By Kevin Liles, US Presswire
Danica Patrick during practice for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Aug. 31, 2012.
Danica Patrick during practice for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Aug. 31, 2012.
By Kevin Liles, US Presswire