Back-to-back top five finishes for Danica Patrick

The 2009 annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach roared into town last weekend, with household names like Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti blazing through the streets in finely-tuned ethanol burning dragsters. The turns were tight and the straightaways fast, which resulted in a few pile-ups and a fiery crash or two.

In her autobiography, Danica  said a race in Long Beach seven years ago was the turning point in a career that ultimately made her one of the nation’s most popular race-car drivers. Her win in that pro/celeb race eventually led her to the IndyCar Series in 2005, where overnight she became a fan favorite after nearly winning the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie.

Danica and the rest of IndyCar’s drivers haven’t been able to race in the Long Beach grand prix in recent years because of a split in the U.S. open-wheel racing series. Last year, Danica, 27, visited the event as a spectator, hours after her IndyCar victory at Motegi, Japan, where she became the first woman in history to win a major U.S.-sanctioned open-wheel race.

The sport is reunited now and IndyCar drivers were welcomed back to Long Beach for the 35th annual grand prix, which for thousands of fans is as much a spring party as an auto race.

Due to a frustrating qualifying session on Saturday, which included spinning out and hitting a wall, the 5-foot, 2-inch 100 pound Danica ended the first day in Long Beach in a disappointing 22nd place.

On Sunday, however, huge crowds watched as a clean opening stint kept Danica free of the crashes and carnage unfolding in front of her, and with a combination of well-timed pit stops and a focused, determined effort, she moved to the lead pack towards the end of the race.

A string of fast laps kept pressure on the drivers in front of Danica’s Motorola-sponsored Dallara Honda, allowing her to move up 18 spots and secure a stunning 4th place at the checkered flag, just one second behind AGR teammate Tony Kanaan. Dario Franchitti’s Target car took the big prize.

Danica rode the wave of momentum from Long Beach into a fine 5th place finish at the Kansas Speedway yesterday. She jumps five spots to 5th in the overall standings.

Wherever Danica races, the driving sensation’s popularity is displayed by fans wearing her colors and lining up to take a photo next to her image on the side of a trailer.

Next up for Danica – the Indy 500 (oh, and the June cover of Shape Magazine!)

Natacha Gachnang first woman driver to join Formula Two

December 17, 2008 – Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang has become the first woman to join new auto racing circuit Formula Two.

The 21-year-old Gachnang said Wednesday she has signed up for the circuit because all drivers will begin on an equal footing thanks to a lack of big-money sponsors.

“It’s a level playing field,” Gachnang told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “Everyone has the same car. Everyone has one mechanic. Everyone has the same chance.”

Gachnang, who has raced in lower circuits and was a F3 frontrunner, said she would consider moving up to Formula One if her stint in the new championship goes well.

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Fisher, Patrick on different tracks

May 23, 2008 – Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher, despite being women working in the same male-dominated sport, have had wildly different experiences in the months leading to Sunday’s race.

Patrick, as has been the case at every race since her debut in 2005, diligently posed for snapshots and signed the latest magazine spreads featuring her photo.

Fisher, meanwhile, signed a few autographs and posed for pictures, but this time had the added duty of collecting checks and wads of cash — gifts from devotees desperate to help her raise enough funds to enter her car in the race.

The scene underscored the stark contrast between the two drivers, who, despite being women working in the same male-dominated sport, have had wildly different experiences in the months leading up to Sunday’s Indy 500 race.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com …

Chrissy Wallace places 18th in NASCAR debut

Martinsville, VA, March 29, 2008 – This past weekend Chrissy Wallace made her debut in the NASCAR Craftsman truck series. Facing 35 other experienced drivers could have proved overwhelming, but Miss Wallace was able to handle herself with confidence and composure to post a solid top 20 result, finishing on the lead lap.

For more on Chrissy Wallace and her racing career:
http://www.chrissywallaceracing.com/

HorsePower – Liz Halliday profile

“Everyone tells me I am mad to have this twin sporting focus in my life, but I find that one complements the other. The cars demand focus, accuracy and strength. The horses require the same, but with a lighter touch. One is a machine that is purely technical, while the bond between horse and rider is a unique relationship” – Liz Halliday

Recently an article in SpeedWorld Magazine about women in racing said “take a look in the rearview window, guys. More women are racing than ever before…” However, it is Liz Halliday who has been looking in her rearview window to find the guys as Liz has won three races this year and has a record six wins for a female in the American Le Mans Series.

Having not started motor racing until she was 16, Liz was at a distinct disadvantage as most professional drivers begin “carting” at 10 -12 years old. Encouraged by her father, Don Halliday, a Sports Car of America instructor and vintage race car driver, it was soon evident that she had talent. She rose rapidly from racing at Club Level in Britain to FIA GT and Rolex Grand Am. In 2005 she received the North American Rookie of the Year presented by Dailysportscar.com. This year Liz’s Intersport Racing team was awarded the prestigious Lynn St. James Award for providing an opportunity for women in racing.

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