To ever reach the upper echelons of motor racing, drivers need to start from a very young age. If they are fully focused on racing, then some sacrifices need to be made. As a matter of fact, they might even have to compromise on their academics in order to pursue their racing dreams. For Danica Patrick, it was no different, as she was forced to drop out of high school to pursue a racing career.

In an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2018, she said, “When I look back and think of the likelihood of me making it. The likelihood of any athlete making it all the way to the top, is just so slim. For them to go, ‘Yeah sure, get your GED, Danica. Just go try this and then hopefully it all works out’. That’s a bold move.”

“I know my mom was really sad. My mom cried, from what I understand, pretty regularly, of me being gone.”

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“But what they said was, ‘it would be worse if you didn’t have the opportunity’.”

Danica Patrick has come a long way since then

Of course, the former NASCAR and IndyCar driver has not looked back since her decision to focus on racing. The 40-year-old boasts of an IndyCar win and seven podiums as well as seven Top 10 finishes each in the Xfinity and Cup Series.

Her best finish in the Cup Series arena was a fine 6th place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2014. Since then, she has been viewed as a trailblazer for women in the NASCAR and IndyCar series.

Now that she is retired from racing, it gives her the opportunity to pursue other passions. Danica Patrick has her own podcast and is occasionally involved in commentating during NASCAR races for Fox.

Although she only has that one IndyCar win to her name, there is no denying the legacy that she has left behind, especially for other female racers who are up and coming into the racing scene.

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