Danica Patrick is a former professional racing driver from the United States. She holds the title of being the most accomplished woman in the realm of American open-wheel car racing, with her notable victory in the 2008 Indy Japan 300 standing as the sole win by a woman in an IndyCar Series race.
Bio/Wiki
Age-41 years
Height- 1.57 m
Weight- 54 kg
Full name-Danica Sue Patrick
Born-March 25, 1982
Birth place-Beloit, Wisconsin, United States
Spouse-Paul Edward Hospenthal (m. 2005–2013)
Profession-American former race car driver
Nationality-American
Parents
Born on March 25, 1982, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Danica Patrick is the daughter of Beverly Ann (née Flaten) and Terry Joseph “T. J.” Patrick Jr. who were working-class parents. Her parents’ romance blossomed during a blind date at a 1970s snowmobile event, where Flaten worked as a mechanic for a friend’s snowmobile. Throughout the years, the couple has ventured into various businesses, including owning a Java Hut coffee shop and a glass company. Patrick also has a younger sister named Brooke, who works as a pediatric physical therapist.
Relationship
In 2005, she tied the knot with Paul Edward Hospenthal, whom she had met at his office in 2002 while recuperating from a hip injury sustained during a yoga session. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 2013.
She was romantically involved with fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from 2012 to 2017, and later with Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers from 2018 to 2020.
In 2021, reports emerged about Patrick being in a relationship with American businessman Carter Comstock. However, in 2022, she confirmed that they had separated.
Career
Born into a working-class family in Beloit, Wisconsin, Danica Patrick embarked on her racing journey at the age of ten, finding early success by clinching her class in the World Karting Association Grand National Championship three times during the mid-1990s. With her parents’ consent, she left high school in 1998 and relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue her racing career. There, she competed in Formula Vauxhall and Formula Ford. Due to financial constraints, she returned to the United States in 2001.
In 2002, Patrick participated in five races of the Barber Dodge Pro Series for Rahal Letterman Racing. She then moved on to compete in the Toyota Atlantic Series for the next two years. Her notable achievement during this period was securing third place in the championship standings in the 2004 season, where she became the first woman to win a pole position in the series.
Her entry into the IndyCar Series came in 2005 with Rahal Letterman Racing, during which she claimed three pole positions, matching Tomas Scheckter’s rookie season pole record. She was honored as the Rookie of the Year for both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series. Patrick’s performance continued to improve in the subsequent years with Rahal Letterman Racing in 2006 and later with Andretti Green Racing in 2007. In 2008, she made headlines by securing her victory in Japan, finishing sixth overall in the drivers’ standings. Her career reached new heights in the following season when she achieved a remarkable third-place finish at the Indianapolis 500, setting a record for the best performance by any woman in the race. Despite a decline in her overall performance in 2010, Patrick managed to secure two second-place finishes at oval tracks. She transitioned to full-time stock car racing after the 2011 IndyCar season.
Patrick ventured into stock car racing in 2010, participating in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series), where her notable accomplishment included a fourth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2011. In the 2012 season, she achieved a career-high tenth position in the standings and became the second woman, after Shawna Robinson in 1994, to clinch a pole position in the Nationwide Series. Patrick made her mark in the Sprint Cup Series (now NASCAR Cup Series) in 2012, notably becoming the first woman to secure a Cup Series pole position by setting the fastest qualifying lap for the 2013 Daytona 500, ultimately finishing eighth. In 2015, she surpassed Janet Guthrie’s record for the most top-ten finishes by a woman in the Sprint Cup Series. Although she retired from full-time racing after the 2017 season, she made special appearances at the 2018 Daytona 500 and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 before officially retiring from professional racing.
Media appearances
Danica Patrick has ventured into various television roles and projects over the years. She hosted several shows on Spike, including “Powerblock,” and appeared in the 2005 documentary “Girl Racers.” In 2006, she featured in the music video for Jay-Z’s song “Show Me What You Got,” where she drove a Pagani Zonda Roadster through the streets of Monaco. Additionally, she authored her autobiography titled “Danica: Crossing the Line” in the same year.
Her television appearances include being a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2008 after winning her first IndyCar race. She also filmed a commercial for GoDaddy.com during testing at Phoenix International Raceway, which aired nationally. Patrick made her acting debut in a February 10, 2010, episode of CSI: NY, portraying a race car driver suspected of murder.
Furthermore, Patrick made history by becoming the first woman to host the ESPY Awards on July 18. From 2019, she served as a studio analyst for NBC’s broadcast of the Indianapolis 500. In August 2019, she launched a weekly podcast named “Pretty Intense,” where she delves into discussions about success and spirituality with various guests.
In her sports commentary roles, she joined the Sky Sports F1 broadcast team as a pundit for the 2021 United States Grand Prix. Additionally, she provided commentary for Superstar Racing Experience events on CBS in 2021 and covered select rounds of the NASCAR Cup Series for Fox starting from 2022.
Business Venture
Danica Patrick has ventured into the world of business with her own wine brand called Somnium, which translates to “dream” in Latin. The Somnium Vineyard spans 24 acres (9.7 hectares) within the Howell Mountain AVA in St Helena, California. Situated at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,375 feet (305 to 419 m), the vineyard is a testament to her passion for winemaking.
Additionally, Patrick has delved into the fashion industry, launching her athleisure collection named “Warrior by Danica Patrick.” This line, created in collaboration with G-III Apparel Group, draws inspiration from Native American mythology, a cultural influence she encountered during her time in Arizona.
Net Worth 2023
Danica Patrick, a renowned former racing driver, boasts an impressive net worth estimated at approximately $85 million, making her one of America’s most successful and well-known women.
Latest News about Danica Patrick
Dressed to Impress: Danica Patrick’s Chic Pale Blue Mini and Boots Ensemble
Danica Patrick stands out among the athletes featured in the SI Swimsuit Issue by seamlessly blending her prowess in both sports and fashion. In a unique and elegant manner, she showcased this dual talent during the racing season while serving as a sidelines reporter for NASCAR events after retiring from professional driving.
As the most successful woman in American car racing history, Danica Patrick has an impressive track record. Beyond her achievements on the racetrack, she exudes style. Recently, at a race event, the 41-year-old two-time SI Swimsuit model made a statement in a light blue textured mini dress adorned with chic gold buttons. She paired this charming mini dress with cream-colored boots, a subtle silver chain, and an array of matching bracelets, displaying her fashion flair with grace.
