 Patrick is out to conquer a male-dominated race |
Danica Patrick will seek to become the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 when US motorsport's most famous race takes place on Sunday. Patrick, who learned her trade racing in Europe with Formula One's Jenson Button, starts from fourth on the grid.
"It has been a dream of mine since I started racing at 10 to be in the Indy 500," said the 23-year-old, who drives for celebrity David Letterman's team.
"As a rookie I have less experience, but I have a winning team behind me."
If Patrick follows in the footsteps of past Brickyard winners Graham Hill, Mario Andretti and Jim Clark, she will lift a sport that craves extra publicity.
 |  Danica has done a great job - I am not saying that just because she is a girl |
"I know I am the only woman in the race this year, but I am not thinking of myself as a woman driver.
"I am just another driver out there. I have always been racing against the males and we are all the same when we are sitting behind the wheel."
Former rival Button is impressed with Patrick's credentials but has doubts over her chances in Formula One.
"I am going to be cheering for Danica Patrick," said the BAR-Honda driver.
"She has done a great job. I am not saying that just because she is a girl. I am sure she will be quick, it is just whether she is going to be good in the race.
"For me, I am not sure she will be strong enough for Formula One.
"The g-forces in the corners are a lot greater than in Indy cars and in braking."
MMIX
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