Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick is a former professional racing driver who is widely recognized as one of the most successful women in the history of American open-wheel car racing. She is best known for her time in IndyCar and NASCAR. Since retiring from racing, Danica Patrick has become a successful entrepreneur and author, further solidifying her influence both on and off the track.

PERSONAL LIFE 

Danica Sue Patrick, born on March 25, 1982, in Beloit, Wisconsin, comes from a supportive family with her father, Terry Joseph Patrick Jr., and mother, Beverly Ann. She also has a younger sister named Brooke. Danica’s early life was marked by a passion for racing, which she pursued from a young age, but her personal interests extend beyond the racetrack.

In 2005, Danica married Paul Edward Hospenthal, a physical therapist she met while recovering from a hip injury caused during a yoga session. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2013. Subsequently, Danica was in a public relationship with fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from 2012 to 2017, followed by a relationship with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers from 2018 to 2020. Most recently, in 2021, she was reported to be dating American businessman Carter Comstock, although they parted ways in 2022.

Outside of her romantic life, Danica has shown a quirky side of her personality in various media appearances. She has a unique aversion to popsicles and once revealed that her favorite movie is “Anchorman.” Interestingly, despite her profound success in motorsports, Danica once harbored ambitions of becoming a singer. Additionally, she appeared in a music video for rapper Jay-Z, showcasing her versatility and wide-ranging appeal.

CAREER AND EARLY SUCCESS

Danica Patrick began her professional racing career in earnest in 2002, competing in the Barber Dodge Pro Series before moving to the Toyota Atlantic Series for two years. Her impressive performance in the Atlantic Series,led to a fourth-place finish in 2004.. In 2005, Patrick joined Rahal Letterman Racing, quickly making a mark by securing three pole positions in her debut season.

Patrick’s participation in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 was historic. She became just the fourth woman to qualify for the race, and she made an iimpact by leading 19 laps and finishing fourth—making her the first woman to lead laps and secure a top-five finish in this iconic event. Her performance earned her Rookie of the Year honors. In 2007, Patrick moved to Andretti Green Racing, where her most notable victory came in 2008 at the Indy Japan 300 in Motegi, Japan, where she became the first woman to win a major-league open-wheel race in a North American series. 

In 2010, Patrick began to transition to NASCAR, starting part-time in the Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series) while still competing in IndyCar. By 2012, she moved full-time into NASCAR, participating in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup (now Cup Series) races. Her NASCAR career reached a significant milestone in 2013 when she won the pole position at the Daytona 500, another first for a woman in the sport.

Patrick decided to retire from full-time racing after the 2018 season, with her final race being the 2018 Indy 500. Although her last race ended in a crash on lap-68. Throughout her career, from 2005 to 2010, she was voted the Most Popular Driver in the IndyCar Series, a testament to her popularity and influence.

NET WORTH

Her Net Worth is estimated to be approximately $80 million, while her last reported salary was $10 million. During her illustrious covers she has managed to get numerous sponsors and has also worked as a model and appeared in music videos. She has a 8300-square foot house, “ Jetsons House”.

But, there is also another side to this coin, she has also undertaken several philanthropic and charity works. In 2021, she participated in the “Light Foundation”  and also in the 125th Boston Marathon.