Danica Patrick shared a heartfelt account of her earliest connection to the Indianapolis 500 as part of FOX’s star-studded broadcast team during the event’s 109th running. As the legendary race switched to FOX from NBC, Patrick joined Will Buxton at the start of the pre-race broadcast, where she revealed how deeply the race has shaped her life and career.
FOX Reimagines Indy 500 Coverage With Racing Icons
In an effort to bring renewed energy to the Indy 500, FOX assembled a broadcast team featuring racing greats including Danica Patrick and Tony Stewart. The network aimed to restore the grandeur of “the greatest spectacle in racing,” promising fans an engaging, memorable event that honored tradition while embracing the future. The move from NBC to FOX marks a significant shift, signaling the broadcast’s intention to highlight both the history and evolving excitement of IndyCar’s premier event.
Danica Patrick Recalls Her Childhood and First Indy 500 Experience
In her on-air conversation with Will Buxton, Patrick, now 43, reminisced about the roots of her connection to the iconic race. Reflecting on the role the Indy 500 played in her youth, she described the family rituals around race day and how her early experiences as a fan eventually transformed into her dream of participating.
“It’s just been a part of my life my whole life. I remember being a kid and watching it on TV sitting around on the couch and got our chips and dip out. I might have taken a nap back in those days, being a little bit younger, but it’s been a part of my life forever.”
—Danica Patrick, former IndyCar driver
Patrick’s memories stretched to 1996, when at age 14, she attended her first live Indy 500. She recalled the excitement and unpredictability of that day, emphasizing how the atmosphere drew her even closer to the sport.
“And then I finally came here when I was 14 years old in 1996. I was way down there at the exit of turn four in one of those suites. That was the year that it was a rain delay. So we sat around and played cards. All of us kids. And a race the next day. After being here and seeing that, I couldn’t wait to race in the actual race,”
added Danica Patrick.
These early moments inspired Patrick’s ambition to compete, setting her on a path to become the sole woman to win an IndyCar Series race—a distinction she achieved at the 2008 Indy Japan 300. In addition, Patrick remains the only woman to have led laps at both the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500, firmly establishing her legacy in motorsports.
From European Racing Roots to IndyCar Stardom and Retirement
Patrick’s racing journey included an early stint in Europe, where she raced in the Formula ford/”>Ford championship before returning to the United States and climbing through the ranks to become an acclaimed IndyCar driver. After her historic run in open-wheel racing, Patrick transitioned to NASCAR, although her record there did not mirror her IndyCar success.
When asked about her decision to retire from professional racing, Patrick opened up about her changing feelings toward competition during an appearance on the Nightline TV Show in 2018.
“It wasn’t in my heart anymore. What I love about racing is 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.”
—Danica Patrick, former IndyCar driver
Her final competitive races were the 2018 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, marking the end of an era for both Patrick herself and women in the highest echelons of motorsport.
The Legacy and Impact of Danica Patrick’s Story at the Indy 500
Patrick’s emotional recollections on FOX’s broadcast not only marked a personal moment but highlighted her significant milestones in IndyCar and stock car racing. Relying on figures like Patrick and Tony Stewart, FOX’s coverage has centered attention on the stories and traditions that continue to fuel the sport’s enduring appeal. As fans and aspiring drivers reflect on these accounts, the celebration of individual journeys and memories will help sustain the Indy 500’s storied place in motor racing, reinforcing the event’s importance on the world stage.
