Beyond the Flag
Fansided

Indianapolis 500 Web Gems

By Alex Herbst

May 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Verizon Indy Car driver Will Power (12) leads a pack of car through the warm up lane in turn one during practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Verizon Indy Car driver Will Power (12) leads a pack of car through the warm up lane in turn one during practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Danica Makes History

The 2005 Indianapolis 500 set a new type of record, one that would break many barriers across the world of motorsports. Danica Patrick was certainly not the first woman to race in the greatest spectacle in racing, with big names like Lyn St. James and Janet Guthrie having raced before her. However, Danica would accomplish neither was able to do – lead laps at IMS.

Patrick would lead three times for a total of nineteen laps in the 2005 Indy 500, and when she took the lead, the fans showed their appreciation and excitement for the history that was being made. And while Danica would not win the race, with Andretti Green Racing’s Dan Wheldon taking home the Borg-Warner Trophy, she would come home fourth, setting another record as the highest finishing woman in race history. She would also be IndyCar’s rookie of the race.

As we know now, Danica Patrick has continued on to great fame as one of if not the leading female racing driver in the world. And while wins have proven to be hard to come by, fans and her sponsors have stood behind her, and Patrick continues to be an inspiration for young girls across the country.

Next: Battle of the Indy Giants