Race-car driver Danica Patrick makes history at Daytona

Danica Patrick made history at the Daytona 500 this past weekend, by finishing in eighth place – the highest ranking of any female driver.

According to The New York Times Patrick was also the first woman to have the “pole position” at the recent Sprint Cup Series.

Though fans and other drivers cheer the athlete on, Patrick has her sights set on even more record-breaking moments. The athlete shared, “I’m honored. But, again, these are things that just happen along the way. I’m on the quest to be the best driver, run up front, get to victory lane. These things happen, and I’m proud, but they’re not the ultimate goal.”

Radar Online reports that Patrick's new boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., was also racing during her memorable drive and finished in 12th place.

Second place winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. notes that Patrick is an outstanding competitor, saying, “She’s going to make a lot of history all year long.”

Though Patrick ended up finishing in eighth, she led the race for the first five laps.

Image: Twitter