Danica Patrick to Retire After Indy 500
The first woman to win a Verizon IndyCar Series race has announced plans to retire. Danica Patrick says she has stepped away from full-time competition after Sunday’s NASCAR race in Miami and will retire after competing in next year’s Daytona 500 and the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Danica last competed in the Indy 500 in 2011, when she finished 10th. In 2008, she made history by winning the at Twin Ring Montegi in Japan. She is also the first woman in history to lead a lap in the Indy 500, which occurred in 2005, and has recorded the best Indy 500 finish by a woman when she finished third in 2009.
"We’re glad Danica plans to return to the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil next May," IMS President Doug Boles said. "Her final career start will make what’s already shaping up to be a terrific Month of May even more interesting for our fans. It’s also fitting that Danica is wrapping up her career at the place and in the race where she became a household name and captured the world’s attention in 2005 – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500.:
The 60th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway runs in February. The Indy 500 takes place May 27, 2018.