Classic Danica Patrick Photos

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 25, 2014

Classic Danica Patrick Photos

At 13, Patrick continued to hone her karting skills, this time in Jacksonville, Fla.

Patrick goes karting in Charlotte in 1997.

A fresh-faced 20-year-old Patrick got her break in 2002, signing with Rahal Letterman Racing to run in the Barber Dodge Pro Series. It wouldn't be until 2005 that Patrick hit the IndyCar ovals. Here she participates in the 26th Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach. She would win the pro division.

Patrick ran five races in the Barber Dodge Pro Series, including her debut run at the Molson Indy Vancouver, where she came in seventh. At the end of her Barber Dodge stint she ranked 13th.

Former champion Bobby Rahal imparts some words of wisdom on a young Danica Patrick during a practice for the Barber Dodge race at the Molson Indy Vancouver

It didn't take long for Patrick to receive invites to some of Hollywood's most exclusive events, including this Spike TV launch party at the Playboy Mansion.

Patrick is all smiles as she waits in pit lane during the IRL open test in February 2005. In her debut season, Patrick would earn three poles, tying Tomas Scheckter's rookie record.

Team owner Bobby Rahal gives Patrick some words of encouragement during Pole Day for the 2005 Indy 500. Patrick would earn the highest pole position (fourth) for a female driver in the history of the event.

Patrick graced the cover of Sports Illustrated her rookie year, just before nabbing fourth at the Indy 500. She would later beat her impressive performance by coming in third at the 2009 Indy 500.

With her success at the Indy 500, Patrick quickly became one of racing's most famous faces. Here she signs autographs as a slew of photographers follow during a practice session for the Bombardier Learjet 500K.

Patrick strikes a pose with Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan during the premiere of Herbie: Fully Loaded in 2005.

Patrick and fellow racer/actor Patrick Dempsey present the award for Best Male and Female Olympic Performance at the 2005 ESPYs. Patrick would be nominated for Best Female Athlete in 2008, but would lose out to L.A. Sparks player Candace Parker.

Patrick takes a break from the open-wheelers and rides her bicycle around California Speedway in October 2005.

Alongside rapper Ludacris, Patrick made another trip to the ESPYs, presenting the award for Best Game in 2006.

Patrick poses next to Dario Franchitti's wife, actress Ashley Judd, at the 2006 ESPYs.

It wasn't long before Patrick started to attract the attention of a number of advertisers. Here she struts down the runway for a Marie Claire and Tissot watch fall fashion preview show.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Patrick trade stories and boots at Pikes Peak International Speedway.

Patrick was named Sportswoman of the Year at the March of Dimes 23rd Annual Sports Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. She received her award from veteran sportswriter Frank Deford.

Patrick plays catch with Scott Eyre before throwing out the first pitch in a September 2006 game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs.

Andretti Green Racing teammates Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti chat with Patrick before the running of the 92nd Indy 500. Patrick would ultimately claim the eighth pole position and finish eighth as well.

Patrick celebrated with Detroit Indy Grand Prix winner Tony Kanaan and third-place finisher Dan Wheldon after taking second in the 2007 race.

In her 50th professional start, Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar race with a victory at Japan 300 in Motegi.

Patrick with her parents after winning her first race.

Patrick was back again in May 2008 for another go at SI 's cover.

Patrick took a break from the ovals to grace the pages of SI 's swimsuit issue in 2008.

Patrick poses for SI's annual swimsuit issue.

Patrick reaches out to eager fans before the Bombardier Learjet 550k in June 2008.

Standing at a modest 5-2, Patrick chats with 6-5 WNBA player Lisa Leslie before the 2008 ESPY awards in Los Angeles.

Back for her fourth try at an Indy 500 victory, Patrick came in third at the race after starting 10th.

Kelly and Dale Earnhardt Jr. join Patrick as they discuss her future with JR Motorsports' Nationwide team.

Patrick prepares for a test session at Barber Motorsports Park.

After spending the majority of her career mastering the ovals of IndyCar, Patrick decided to try her luck in the stock car circuit with stints in ARCA and Nationwide.

Danica's licensed merchandise was one of Nascar's top sellers at the start of the year, despite her status as a part-time racer in Nascar's junior circuit.

140325105749-2011-02-danica-patrick-dale-earnhardt-jr-single-image-cut.jpg — Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

Danica talks with Dale Earnhardt Jr. during practice for the Nationwide Series DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.

140325105755-2011-03-danica-patrick-single-image-cut.jpg — John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

Danica signs a fan's poster during qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Sam's Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

140325105800-2011-05-danica-patrick-single-image-cut.jpg — AJ Mast/AP

Danica covers her face in the pits after finishing 10th in the Indianapolis 500.

140325110302-2012-ricky-stenhouse-danica-patrick-single-image-cut.jpg — Rainier Ehrhardt/Getty Images

Danica Patrick chats with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. during an autograph session ahead of the Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 at Iowa Speedway. The two waited to reveal the were dating until after the Charlotte Motor Speedway's annual media tour in Feb. 2013.