Car racing in the United States won’t be the same in the following years. Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Danica Patrick revealed that 2017 will be her last year as a full-time driver.
“This will be my last season as a full-time driver,” – said Patrick. “I don’t feel like I was necessarily pushed into this, I feel like I should be doing this. I feel like this is where my life should be headed.“
This doesn’t mean Patrick is completely done with racing. She will participate in two more races in 2018 before retiring.
“I’m not totally done,” – she said. “I’m going to do the Daytona 500 next year and the Indy 500. I’m really excited about that, I think it’s going to be a great way to cap it off. I never say never, but that is my plan. After Indy, that’s the end.”
She also added that she wants to be remembered not just for being a girl but also for being a good driver.
Danica Patrick started her racing career in go-karting before participating in Formula Ford championship in the United Kingdom. In 2005, Patrick came back to the United States and started driving in IndyCar Series. She finished the season on the 12th place in the IndyCar Series championship and was named Rookie of the Year. Her IndyCar Series career lasted 7 years, with 5th place on the overall standings in 2009 season being her highest achievement.
In 2012, Patrick started participating in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing team. Her best overall finish at the end of the season was 24th place in 2015 and 2016. As of 2017, she managed to finish 7 times in top ten.
During her career, Danica Patrick accomplished numerous achievements including being the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 and the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race.
