If there is one thing female racer Danica Patrick does not lack it’s fans. The 26-year-old rocketed to stardom in 2005 when she became the first woman to lead a lap in the Indianapolis 500. She finished 4th in that race but fans already forecast quick success for the rookie driver. The phenomenon known as “Danicamania” brought attention to the driver, but more importantly, to the IndyCar series as a whole.

However the expected first victory never came and Danica went through all of 2005, 2006, and 2007 without a single win. Patrick was considered by some observers as strong on star appeal but light on talent(ouch!). Things got even worse when she posed for some sexy photo sessions, the most recent as a model for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. People were starting to not take her seriously, which is highly offensive to a racing driver. These people are professionals and rightfully demand respect.

Well now Danica can finally silence her critics. The IndyCar racing star scored a long-awaited and historic victory in the Indy Japan 300 Sunday at Twin Ring Motegi. Patrick is the first woman to win an IndyCar event and the first outside drag racing to win a major auto race. This is a huge achievement as auto racing has been a predominantly male dominated sport. Danica made a huge statement by accomplishing what some thought was impossible.

Patrick passed driver Helio Castroneves with three laps remaining in the race and then went on to put 5.5 seconds between her and helio. The historic victory came in her 50th IndyCar race. “Finally! This is a long time coming,” Patrick said to ESPN television. We couldn’t agree more Danica, congratulations.

Above & Below: She might be sexy, but when it’s race time it’s race time!