Photos: Danica Patrick through the years

Danica Patrick holds the winner’s trophy after finishing first in the Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Ring Motegi race course. Patrick became the first female winner in IndyCar history, taking the Indy Japan 300 race in her 50th start in the series.  (AFP, AFP/Getty Images)

Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an open-wheel race on the elite level when she captured the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi in Tokyo on April 20. Helio Castroneves points out to Patrick the difference between the runner-up trophy and the champion’s trophy during the podium presentation.   (Katsumi Kasahara / Associated Press)

Danica Patrick takes a champagne shower with second-place Helio Castroneves of Brazil on the podium after winning the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi, northeast of Tokyo.  (Katsumi Kasahara / Associated Press)

Danica Patrick, Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon of New Zealand and Team Penske driver Ryan Briscoe (front) of Australia at a photo shoot on Wall Street.  (STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images)

Danica Patrick and her Andretti Green teammates had a tough time qualifying for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, but they had a better race day with Patrick taking fourth and Tony Kanaan finishing third.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Danica Patrick talks with team owner Michael Andretti before the final practice session Friday for the Indianapolis 500.  (Jeff Roberson / Associated Press)