Danica Patrick, recognized as a pioneer in motorsports, has often credited her determination for her achievements on the NASCAR circuit. During a 2017 interview with NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, Patrick discussed her drive within the context of what set her apart in racing, highlighting the unique elements of Danica Patrick NASCAR success.
While competing full-time for Stewart-Haas Racing, Patrick drove the No. 10 Ford and was coming off a seventeenth-place finish at the Xfinity 500 Cup Series event at Martinsville. As the only female driver to have ever clinched the Daytona 500 pole, her presence in Cup Series racing was a groundbreaking accomplishment.
Danica Patrick Attributes Her Achievements to Determination
During the interview, Gluck posed a thought-provoking question about whether Patrick’s accomplishments stemmed more from innate ability or relentless effort. Patrick addressed this candidly, acknowledging both her inner resolve and the nuanced factors at the top tiers of automotive racing.
“Well, I got here by determination and believing I could. It’s that simple. And then I would say that to open it up to something that your question wasn’t exactly — I would say once you get to this level, I think we’re all talented, so then it depends on so many other circumstances, which is why you see a driver all of a sudden emerge and maybe submerge every now and again, depending on circumstances.”
– Danica Patrick, driver
Patrick formally retired from professional racing in 2018, but her career left a lasting mark. She remains the sole woman to win a major open-wheel race with her 2008 Indy Japan 300 victory and holds records for most starts, laps led, and top-ten finishes by a woman in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Track
Following her retirement, Patrick’s influence continued to grow in NASCAR and beyond. Amassing a large social media following, she took on a new role in motorsport media with Sky Sports F1, where she contributed to the punditry team covering the United States Grand Prix in 2021. Additionally, she ventured into business, founding Somnium and Danica Rose Wine, as well as several other enterprises, which added to her recognition as a significant figure in the sport and a successful entrepreneur.
Exploring New Passions: From Race Tracks to Golf Courses
Recently, Patrick expanded her pursuits by immersing herself in sports such as tennis, skiing, and especially golf. Her dedication to learning new skills mirrors the persistence that defined her racing career. She openly discussed her journey into golf and the challenges she embraced along the way.
“I decided to actually learn how to play golf about 2 years ago,”
said Danica Patrick.
“Of course it’s a little seasonal, mostly for heat in AZ but also work and skiing! I thought I finally had it figured out last fall. Then I forgot how to hit my driver to start the year off…. Until about 10 days ago. I remembered just as mysteriously as I forgot.”
– Danica Patrick, driver
“Golf is a funny game,” she continued.
“And mostly played by those who just love to be hard on themselves. A game you will never master and repeatedly wonder – why am I doing this to myself?!”
– Danica Patrick, driver
Her progress in golf has not gone unnoticed. Patrick’s golf instructor, whose support she mentioned, highlighted remarkable improvement in her swing and skills over recent weeks, echoing her tendency to excel through perseverance.
The Ongoing Influence of a Trailblazer
Danica Patrick’s legacy as a competitive driver and one of the sports world’s most influential women continues to inspire both current athletes and fans alike. Her journey from Ridgeway’s Martinsville Speedway to new ventures demonstrates how resilience and adaptability fuel Danica Patrick NASCAR success and her broader endeavors. As her story unfolds, Patrick’s impact on motorsport and her growing list of achievements outside of racing are likely to inspire future generations to defy boundaries in their own lives.
