Danica Patrick Becomes First Woman To Lead Laps in Daytona 500
By: Melissa Garrett
Updated: February 25, 2013
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Danica Patrick has made more history at Daytona International Speedway.
Patrick became the first woman to lead a lap in the famed Daytona 500 on Sunday. She led two laps -- Nos. 90 and 91.
Fans were on their feet as Patrick beat Michael Waltrip to the front of the field on a restart.
Patrick started the 200-lap race on the pole after becoming the first woman to qualify in the top spot. She failed to lead the first lap, though, falling behind three-time race winner Jeff Gordon.
Nonetheless, it was a big moment for NASCAR and Patrick.
Patrick also made history as an IndyCar driver. She led 19 laps as a rookie in the 2005 Indianapolis 500, becoming the first woman to lead open-wheel racing's premier event. She finished fourth.
Patrick became the first woman to lead a lap in the famed Daytona 500 on Sunday. She led two laps -- Nos. 90 and 91.
Fans were on their feet as Patrick beat Michael Waltrip to the front of the field on a restart.
Patrick started the 200-lap race on the pole after becoming the first woman to qualify in the top spot. She failed to lead the first lap, though, falling behind three-time race winner Jeff Gordon.
Nonetheless, it was a big moment for NASCAR and Patrick.
Patrick also made history as an IndyCar driver. She led 19 laps as a rookie in the 2005 Indianapolis 500, becoming the first woman to lead open-wheel racing's premier event. She finished fourth.
