Racing Legend: Retirement Plans after Danica Patrick’s Nascar Wins

Given her talent and sheer power, it feels like a slight to mention that she’s the only woman to have led laps at both the Daytona 500 & Indy 500 because only 13 other racecar drivers have achieved this feat in the history of the sport (all men). And she’s the only woman to have ever won an IndyCar race, one of the very few women competing in a sport dominated by men.

Despite being in a male-dominated field, Patrick is quick to say that she embraces her feminine side. “I want to be remembered as a great driver. I hope that they can remember how I was girl and how I use being a woman to my advantage. I don’t dismiss that part of me at all,” she says.

And dismiss she should not! Patrick is a powerhouse. In November 2017, she announced that she would end her racing career with the “Danica Double” by competing in two marquee events that were cornerstones of her career: the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, again racing under the logo of her long-time sponsor GoDaddy, an online provider whose primary mission is to help businesses and ideas succeed.

“I want to be known for my character, that I am an interesting and very driven person. Just because racing is over doesn’t mean that I’m done inspiring. Whether it’s my wine, or my book or my clothing line, or even speaking to groups, I always thought it was cool for someone that is well known for one thing to transition into something else,” says Patrick.

The synergy is even better this time with GoDaddy, as both driver and sponsor have a passion for entrepreneurship and they will work together post-racing, too. In 2017, she launched her own clothing line under the fitting name “Warrior by Danica Patrick”, and she also authored a book on mind, body, and eating right, titled “Pretty Intense”.

So what does life after racing look like for Patrick? She says she’s open to exploring opportunities, along with a bit of TLC. “I’d love to have a cooking show and other books. But let’s face it; I’m ready to relax. I want to reduce the high-pressure moments and increase the creative, artistic part of me.”

One thing is for sure, her career has primed her for business success. And a positive mindset is something she attributes to that. “One of the things sports teaches you is to have confidence and believe in yourself. The mind is a powerful thing: You’ve got to believe in your idea and in yourself, and you have to get people around you to believe the same thing.”

While driving, she constantly recites affirmations: “I can do this. I am smart. I am strong. I’m good at this. I’m determined.”

And that she is.