Danica Patrick stepped into the athletic world with unparalleled verve to realize her dreams. Undoubtedly, she attained even more than she had envisioned with limitless strength. She is known to be America’s most fierce and spirited female athlete. Apart from taking over the racetrack with her stupendous racing skills, her name shines brightly in recent sports history too. She has been honored with prestigious awards throughout her career. She retired in her 30s after achieving immense popularity. From being in a relationship that came under the limelight to starting her podcast series, it’s time to go on a racing ride with her to explore more.
Big Dreams In A Small Town
Danica Sue Patrick was born on March 25th, 1982, in Beloit, Wisconsin. She grew in the small town of Roscoe in Illinois. As a kid, she wanted to be a veterinarian or a secretary or even a melodious singer. Her dreams were plenty but a few years later, she realized that her destination was the racetrack. But how did she reach this stage and bring her name among the world’s top female drivers? The answer lies in her preteen experiences.
A Special Family Connection
Terry Joseph "T. J." Patrick Jr. and Beverly Ann (née Flaten) gave birth to another baby girl, Brooke and now, Danica had a little sister to play with. Their parents were always searching for some activities they could indulge in as a family of four. They even thought of owning a boat but that idea was dropped when Brooke discovered a go-kart and wanted to try go-karting. Danica was also drawn towards this activity when her sister introduced it to her. It was family go-karting time!
Finding Her Passion
Danica turned 10 and her sister Brooke was 8 years old when their parents bought go-karts for these lively girls. That’s when Danica realized her passion for racing. She was engrossed in this activity like nothing before. After a few years of go-karting, she discovered that she wanted to follow this passion with utmost dedication. She worked on her skills and developed foot and eye coordination. At 13, she had planned to move to California to compete year-round. But there was more to this than what seemed.
A Lot On Her Plate
Danica always had one thing or another going on for her in her life apart from racing. She explored her diverse interests as well. She did cheerleading for the sports team of her high school. She even babysat during her free time. Despite all these activities, her mind only pictured the race track. She wasn’t competing year-round and that made her realize her love for racing. Her family didn’t move to California but they were always cheering for their daughter as she was on the track of pursuing her passion.
An Unmatched Active Support
Danica was an adolescent when she was headed towards realizing her dreams and she wanted her parents to be with her at all times. That’s what her amazing parents did! Her dad took the responsibilities of a “Crew Chief”, driver’s racing coach and was in charge of the work including refueling, changing tires, etc. during the pit stops of the ongoing race. The whole family was in this together but fate had a few more plans for them.
Emerging As A Teen Winner
The 16-year-old Danica had grabbed quite a few go-kart titles in regional and national competitions. This passionate young girl was not ceasing on this journey for even a while. When she was at the legal age of driving, she was all set to face round two of this adventure. She had spent six years as a go-kart racer and now, she moved towards road racing. Put your seatbelts on, this is going to be a thrilling ride.
Landing In Europe
As a teenager, Danica had accomplished huge goals by becoming a professional go-kart driver and winning numerous races. But Patrick knew that she needed a transition to drive towards the heights she had envisioned. Car racing was her next move. Karts and cars have a huge difference in terms of their braking system. But Danica was brimming with eagerness to explore this new field. She wanted to do car racing at an international level. During the late ‘90s, Danica had planned to land in Europe and step out of Midwest.
“Best-Ever-Finish”
Patrick left high school to pursue her passion and compete in Europe as a professional. She grabbed the second position at the Formula Ford Festival in 2000 which is an annual British competition involving single-seat racing cars powered by Ford. She lost the first position to a British racer, Anthony Denis Davidson, by a difference of just half a second. Her finish was said to be the “best-ever-finish” for an American during those days. Her excitement peaked but can you guess where her career was headed next?
A Huge Opportunity Knocked
One of the most popular competitions in the racing field is the Indy-car racing competition, particularly the Indy 500. This race didn’t allow women to compete until the late 1970s. But even then, very few women were a part of it after decades. In 2002, Danica Patrick almost received a once-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity. She had spent 10 years racing and so, an Indy-racing contract was presented to her by Bobby Rahal, a world-renowned former Indy driver. Unfortunately, that season wasn’t favorable and she couldn’t compete.
Unbounded Thrill Awaits
In 2004, Danica Patrick realized that she would be able to compete in the Indy 500 after all this while. “I was very happy. I mean, and I was caught off guard. And I was everything I needed,” she shared her feelings while being interviewed by NTT IndyCar Series in 2011. For the racers, car racing is something that gives them an adrenaline rush. Danica was no different and she geared up for a racing adventure that would land her with medals and trophies!
A Crashing Beginning
The following year carried a lot of transitions for this amazing racecar driver. She might have just begun her journey in the real world but her zeal didn’t waver for even a second. It was going to be a roller-coaster ride for her. Her professional racing career experienced its first jolt in 2005 when she was preparing for her IndyCar Series race, the 2005 Toyota Indy 300 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway – her first one. She was involved in a multiple-car crash during the race and things took a turn.
Driving Amid Dangers
Car racing has many dangers associated with it as this sport is all about operating an automobile at a great pace on a narrow track surrounded by similar cars moving at their highest speeds. During the 2005 Indy 300 Homestead race, Patrick had to endure one of the toughest phases when one vehicle on the track lost control. “[The] car was coming down the track, because it had a broken suspension. And as it was coming down the track, it just clipped my right rear, and sent me straight up into the wall,” she revealed.
From Racetrack To Hospital
Patrick was ready for all the challenges when she stepped into this fierce field of racing. When she finally found the greatest opportunity to compete in the Indy races, she grabbed it without a second thought. But after that one thrilling race, she ended up in the hospital. “It was a huge hit, I don't remember anything from when I hit the wall to when I woke up in the Medical Center,” she shared. She had a mild concussion but this fearless woman flew out of the trauma in no time.
Making History After The Fall
Patrick was not letting one fall change anything as she had her plans set. That crash didn’t stop her from moving forward with more zest and perseverance. This young woman with peerless valiance was close to writing a new chapter and creating history. It happened just a year later. “[The crash] was disappointing, though, I mean it would have been great to get a top ten on my first IndyCar race. But that's okay because a couple races later I nearly won,” she expressed.
Her Exceptional Skills
The closing of the 2005 Indy competitions was nowhere in sight as there was a lot more to explore. After two months, Patrick was gearing up for her first Indy 500 Race. These names include “300” or “500” because the number depicts the miles that the racer has to drive during the competitions. In Indy 500, there are 200 laps that the drivers need to cross counterclockwise around the track. Patrick astounded the audience with her talent!
Rookie Takes Over The Track
Danica Patrick stepped into the racecar and began the adventure on the Indy 500 track. She was competing with 33 other highly skilled race drivers with incredible experience. Despite all the challenges, she won the 4th position. In addition to claiming a spot in the top 10, she led for 19 laps throughout the race. A rookie with such achievements is rare but Patrick was clearly a winner in many ways. That is not all – she had another spectacular accomplishment waiting for her.
First Woman In Lead On The Track
Danica Patrick earned the title of “Rookie of the Year” and was even called the “Most Popular Driver” of the Indy Racing League (IRL) for three years continuously. She achieved this level of success all because her talent and fame surrounded her as the first woman to be in the lead during a classic race and also, the first female to be placed 4th. In the mid-2000s, she had accomplished a lot and even the unimaginable. She became an inspiration for upcoming women athletes.
A Huge Win
Patrick had her entire focus on racing and achieving her ambitions as a race car driver. She aimed at becoming the best driver she could ever be and pushed herself every day to realize that dream. In 2008, her efforts yielded results in her favor as she emerged out as a winner in the 2008 Twin Ring Motegi Indy 300 race in Japan. With that, she became the first female to be placed first in a major-league open-wheel racing competition.
Shining Rankings With Her Name
Patrick celebrated her wins and then continued to work hard to fight the next challenge. She was 23 when she received the title of the “Rookie of the year” and was among the most famous race drivers. When she turned 26, she had already made a remarkable world record in female sports history. She was ranked number 1 on AOL's “Annual List of Top Web, Mobile, and Video Searches” by transcending Tiger Woods in 2nd place and Tom Brady in 3rd. Her skills were now seen in another field too!
Believing In Herself
With such success arrives undesired opinions and that’s what happened to Danica Patrick. Critics started to believe that her achievements were only an outcome of the huge marketing deals and the modeling opportunities presented by “Sports Illustrated” and IMG. “I wanted to accomplish great things yet still be myself, which did include sometimes things that were not quite so PC or universally accepted… You might not agree with the things I do, but at least you can respect my honesty. I’m just me,” she shared.
A Terrific Transition
From diverse dreams in the Midwest to being recognized as one of the most popular athletes and brilliant race car driver, Patrick had come a long way – all achieved with her enlivening spirits, impeccable skills, and dynamic personality. In 2010, a stupendous transition occurred when she raced for NASCAR and a lot changed after this. However, Patrick had some huge personal news to share with everyone before climbing the next steps on the ladder of success in her profession.
Finding Love Through An Injury
Danica may have been working really hard to reach her envisaged goals but she had something secret going on in her personal life in the mid-2000s. In 2002, right before her big achievement, her paths crossed with Paul Edward Hospenthal. Hospenthal worked as a physical therapist for famous athletes and he was the one who came to her rescue after an injury. The doctor-patient bond soon turned into a romantic relationship but they kept it under wraps for quite long due to the confidentiality code.
Racing Down The Aisle
The year 2005 was full of surprises, victories, titles, and love for Danica Patrick. While the title of “Rookie of the Year” and “Most Popular Driver” was bestowed upon her, she had a special event in her personal life too. She was all set to tie the knot with Hospenthal. The love birds were commencing on a new journey together. The couple didn’t want their relationship to be under the limelight considering Danica’s popularity. But at that moment, they were focused on each other and kept everything aside.
Partners Through Thick And Thin
Paul had a fairly good experience dealing with the press and paparazzi as he had been treating high-end athletes for a better part of his career as a physical therapist. So, he respected his wife’s decision to steer clear of any publicity of their relationship. Paul was always cheering for his amazing wife during her competitions and their love grew every day. “He’s just an intelligent guy. I learned from him how to take care of things,” she expressed.
An Approaching End
Although Paula and Danica shared immense love, they discovered that they were not meant to be with each other eventually. So, in 2012, they decided to go their separate ways for better. “I am sad to inform my fans that after 7 years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage… This isn't easy for either of us, but mutually it has come to this. He has been an important person and friend in my life and that's how we will remain moving forward,” Danica posted on Facebook.
Experiencing Highs And Lows
After experiencing a roller coaster ride in the year 2005, Danica had to face a similar set of challenges in 2013. She was stepping out of a difficult phase after her marriage with Paul ended. It may have been an amicable end but it’s never easy to move on. Soon, she found a connection with a fellow race car driver, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and the two started dating. Their relationship lasted for 5 years. During this time, Danica had been growing and shining with great accomplishments in the mid-2010s.
Breaking The Records
In 2013, Danica astonished the world yet again as she broke the record with her victories at the NASCAR Cup Series. This ambitious racecar driver set the record for the fastest time in qualifying in the Daytona 500 race. In addition to this, she was placed in the 10th position! Her 8th place ranking added another title to her list as she became the first woman to grab such a top place in the “Great American Race”. The NASCAR competitions paved way for something more as she continued to rise above the conventions.
Achieving And Inspiring
Year after year, Patrick was making new records and achieving special titles and all of it was purely an outcome of her dedication and passion for this sport. She crossed all the hurdles like she raced through those laps and shattered the conventional path. She was the first woman to be placed in the NASCAR competitions and that was enough to build a space for more female athletes to come and conquer. The motor-racing world could now witness more women stepping into racing. However, Patrick took advantage of her powerful influence in a fresh way.
A Strong Message For Everyone
While Patrick had been an inspiration for all the women who wished to compete in various huge sports events and achieve their ambitions, she took on a different yet encouraging perspective. She addressed all the people rather than just women and it was quite powerful. I don’t have a message for women, I have a message for people… As human beings, we shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into a one-dimensional thing. I thought my strongest message was just do what you love to do and be yourself,” she shared. In 2018, she decided something unexpected!
Ending A Chapter
Patrick and Stenhouse wanted to keep their relationship away from the public eye. In 2013, Patrick said, “I don't normally say too much about my private life, always been focused on the track. I didn't want to confirm at media day so that we could keep the focus on the season, the Gen-6 (car), my sponsors, and team. That's what it's all about for me.” However, things didn’t go well and they broke up. Patrick’s view about this ending took another turn.
Love Blossoms Again
Danica was ruling over the tracks all this while and her love life seemed to have many twists. After her break-up, a new love knocked on her door. A few months later, Danica found herself falling in love with another athlete. He was a popular football player, Aaron Rodgers, a Green Bay Packers quarterback. Their love story began in February 2018 and it didn’t stay away from the limelight for long. They had known each other since 2012 but the sparks of romance ignited many years later.
Supporting And Cheering
Danica had quite a bit of experience in cheerleading as she did it in her high school and that part of her teenage years came alive when she started dating Rodgers. “I told [Rodgers] a long time ago I'd always root for him as a player… Now I am probably going to cheer for the whole team… Take out the word ‘probably.’ Now I'm going to cheer for the whole team,” she revealed. As her romantic relationship thrived, her professional life witnessed a high point too!
A Gleaming Red Carpet Appearance
Danica Patrick was not skipping any opportunity that came her way and in 2018, she was on the stage of ESPY Awards hosting the whole event. Although her hosting skills received a mix of appreciative and criticizing views, her look turned quite a few heads. She looked ravishing in a Saint Laurent mini dress and the Francesco Russo cut-out sandals added a perfect amount of glamor to the look. She was there with Aaron Rodgers and it was their first event as a couple.
Ceasing Her Participation
Patrick had spent 13 years in the sports industry and broken several records with her escalating success and achievements. Now, she was ready to apply the brakes and step out of the field for good. “It wasn't in my heart anymore. What I love about racing was that ability to progress and get better and finish better and better and ultimately win. And I just felt like that was becoming less and less something that was in my control,” she shared.
Leaving It Behind
In 2019, Danica Patrick said that she did not “really miss” being on the racetrack after taking retirement from the sport. She had a lot of memories to cherish and treasure for the rest of her life but she had decided to end that chapter and step forward and explore further on this path of life. But before she signed her retirement and stepped down, there was something she wanted to do to make her name sparkle in the history of sports.
A Memorable Retirement
The passionate and inspiring athlete announced that she would be stepping down in 2018. She was officially retiring but she added that before entering this new phase, she will be on the track for two important events - the Daytona 500 and Indy 500 that were later called “Danica Double”. The fierce Patrick left a mark in the motor-racing world as she did something groundbreaking. She was chosen to host ABC’s live ESPN Sports Award Show called ESPY and turns out, she was the first female to be the host on that stage.
A Virtual Split
Danica was indulging in her post-retirement phase and in 2020, two years after the official stepping down announcement, something changed in her personal life. While the camera lights could not gather much information on her relationship status, her Instagram revealed a story. In July 2020, the fans noticed that Patrick had unfollowed Aaron Rodgers on the social media platform and this was enough for the information to land on the grapevine. Had they actually broken up or was it just a glitch in the virtual system?
Searching For The Truth Amid Flying Rumors
Danica and Aaron had always been open about their relationship as they posted adorable pictures on social media for the world to see. Their love exuded through those photos and everyone thought it was “forever” for them. But endings are cruel and come unannounced. That’s what happened with these two as their break-up rumors were confirmed later. But Danica never let anything drown her in the sea of distress. She was always geared up for what fate would bring next.
The “Pretty Intense” Journey Continues
Danica Patrick was embracing her retired life and savoring every moment of it. But what were her plans after leaving the tracks behind? Her spark had not wavered and she still owned that dynamic personality. So, she moved forward and became an entrepreneur and launched her wine brand “Somnium” and even a clothing line “Warrior”. She wrote and released a book as well. Her podcast series “Pretty Intense” garnered a lot of attention with popular personalities on her guest list. In 2019, she was presented with an irresistible opportunity.
A Starry Appearance
The new “Charlie’s Angels” that starred Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Elizabeth Banks, and Jaclyn Smith was released in 2019 but can you imagine who featured in the trailer of this movie and had a cameo in the movie? Yes, Danica Patrick had a cameo appearance in 2019 “Charlie’s Angels”. How cool is that! “It’s cool when you get asked to do those little things that kind of honor your profession, or honor what you’ve done,” Patrick expressed during an interview.
Cherishing Family Moments
Danica Patrick has always been a passionate woman with an unswerving zest to accomplish her dreams at every stage of her life. After making a mark in the motor-racing field, she went on to become a businesswoman and left no stone unturned to make her ventures a success. But amidst all these dreams, she never forgot her roots and family. She had a heartwarming message for her father and she posted it on her social media.
Conveying Gratitude
In June 2020, she posted two pictures with her dad and wrote, “Then (pic is after my first Indy 500 that I came close to winning), now and forever I am so grateful you’re my dad. You taught me how to have a dream and work hard. Now let’s slow down and enjoy life. It goes quick… Happy Father’s Day!” This speaks a lot about her as a person. She had immense gratitude for her family and every moment she spent with them. She had experienced a long journey and now, it was time to take a breather!
