An Epochal Open Letter from Danica Patrick.
To the open-wheel racing community, my incredible fans, and the entire Danica Patrick family,
As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with gratitude, introspection, and a deep appreciation for every moment, race, and person that has been a part of my path. From the first time I held a steering wheel to the occasions when I crossed finish lines, celebrated successes, and learnt from trials, one thing has stayed constant: your unflinching encouragement.
To the Open-Wheel Racing Family: you provided me with a home. You offered a little girl from Beloit, Wisconsin, a desire to pursue and a road to follow. I came onto the track not just as a competitor, but as a woman determined to demonstrate that skill, resilience, and passion are genderless. The chances I had in IndyCar, as well as the support of teams, sponsors, and coworkers, helped form me into the racer and person I am today. To my mentors, engineers, crew members, and everyone else who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you for making my career possible.
To my great fans: you are my fuel. Even on the most difficult days, your shouts, signs in the stands, encouraging words, and belief in me gave me strength. You have celebrated my achievements as if they were your own and supported me in times of defeat. You have been more than just supporters; you have become my extended family. Whether you watched me from the stands, followed my journey on television, or sent me encouraging messages on social media, you were an important part of this fantastic adventure.
To the Danica Community: Your love and support provided an environment in which I could grow. You broke down barriers alongside me, demonstrating that the future of motorsports is open to anybody who dares to dream. Because of you, the next generation of racers, particularly young girls, can now see a place for themselves in a sport that previously seemed out of reach.
This isn’t a farewell; it’s an acknowledgement of the fantastic journey we’ve taken. My work was never about me alone; it was about all of us, rewriting history together.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
With love and thanks.
Danica Patrick