Woman to Woman: Alexandra Straub Interviews Rising Open-Wheel Star Danica Patrick

She is Woman. Hear her engine Roar

Paul Tracy, Sebastian Bourdais, Bruno Junqueira, and Michel Jourdain Jr. are all household names when it comes to North American

At 22-years-old, Danica Patrick is well on her way to becoming a household name to fans of North American open-wheel motorsport. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

open-wheel motorsport fans. If Danica Patrick isn't already a household name, it will be very soon.

The name may sound familiar because you might have seen her hosting Spike TV's Zero to 60, or posing in various magazines such as FHM, or most notably, you may have seen her racing on the track in the Toyota Atlantic Championship series, a feeder series to Champ Car. Although the 22-year-old racing phenomenon is renowned for good looks and commercial appeal, first and foremost, she's an extremely talented driver and has the credentials to prove it.

Racing since the age of 10, Danica has established herself as a consistent competitor who has set a few records along the

Aside from appearing in FHM and hosting a show on Spike TV, Danica has racked up some serious racing credentials in a relaively short time. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

way. In 2000, she finished second at the Formula Ford Festival in England, which was the highest ever result for an American driver. In 2001 she won the Gorsline Scholarship Award for the top upcoming road racing driver, and was recognized as the top female open-wheel driver with international experience. 2002 was a memorable year as Patrick signed a multi-year driving contract with Team Rahal (owned by motorsport legend Bobby Rahal and TV personality David Letterman) and was deemed the team's driver for the 2003 Toyota Atlantic entry. Prior to starting the season she captured the pole position for the 2002 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and won the pro division, surpassing former Trans Am champion and TV host Tommy Kendall as well as experienced IRL driver Sarah Fisher.