Danica Patrick: Danica Patrick Wins Indy Title

Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win a race in the Indy Racing League history after winning the Indy Japan 300 title.

Danica Patrick had been dubbed the Anna Kournikova of IndyCar but victory in her 50th start will end comparisons with the Russian pin-up, who quit tennis without a singles title to her name.

By: Bill Waters
Apr 20, 2008, 12:16 PM EDT

Danica Patrick, 26, won by almost six seconds from Brazilian Helio Castroneves after the race favourites were forced to pit for fuel in the closing laps in Motegi's Twin Ring Circuit.

"It's been a long time coming," Patrick said"I knew I was on the same strategy as Helio and when I passed him for the lead I couldn't believe it."

Patrick had been dubbed the Anna Kournikova of IndyCar but victory in her 50th start will end comparisons with the Russian pin-up, who quit tennis without a singles title to her name.

"When I had to talk into my radio after the race, all I could say was 'thank you'," she added. "It was a fuel strategy race, but my team called it perfectly for me."

With six laps remaining, Dixon had a 3.6-second lead, but the leader had to enter the pits for fuel on lap 195. Then Wheldon and Kanaan had to do the same on lap 196.

That left the door open for Patrick and Castroneves, whose last pit stop came on lap 148.

The female Indy champion took the lead from pole-sitter Helio Castroneves on the 198th lap of the 200-lap race and finished the race 5.8594 seconds ahead of the Brazilian.

Danica had been dubbed the Anna Kournikova of IndyCar but victory in her 50th start will end comparisons with the Russian pin-up, who quit tennis without a singles title to her name