Danica Patrick is more than just a former professional racer—she is a cultural icon who transformed the face of motorsports. Known for shattering barriers in a male-dominated sport, Patrick’s career is a blend of groundbreaking racing achievements, lucrative endorsements, and savvy business ventures. Today, her net worth is estimated at $80 million, a reflection of her success both on and off the track. At 42 years old in 2025, she continues to inspire as an athlete, entrepreneur, and role model for women worldwide.
Early Life and Racing Roots
Danica Sue Patrick was born on March 25, 1982, in Beloit, Wisconsin, and raised in Roscoe, Illinois. Her parents, Terry Joseph Patrick Jr. and Beverly Ann Patrick, were instrumental in fostering her love of racing. Her father’s involvement in snowmobile and midget car racing exposed her to motorsports at a young age, while her mother encouraged her to pursue her passions with determination.
By age 10, Danica was already karting competitively. Her talent was undeniable—she went on to win ten regional titles and a World Karting Association Grand National Championship. Recognizing her potential, she made the bold move to England as a teenager, where she competed in Formula Ford and Formula Vauxhall. Her second-place finish at the 2000 Formula Ford Festival remains one of the best results ever achieved by an American driver at the event.
Breaking Barriers in IndyCar
Patrick’s breakthrough came in 2005, when she joined Rahal-Letterman Racing, co-owned by former driver Bobby Rahal and talk show host David Letterman. That same year, she became the first woman to lead laps at the Indianapolis 500 and earned the Rookie of the Year title for both the Indy 500 and the IndyCar Series season.
Her most iconic achievement came in 2008, when she won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race. The following year, she finished third at the Indianapolis 500, which remains the best result ever recorded by a woman in the race’s history.
These accomplishments established Patrick as one of the most successful female drivers in motorsport history, paving the way for future generations of women in racing.
Transition to NASCAR
In 2010, Danica shifted gears to stock car racing, competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now the Xfinity Series). She made steady progress before moving full-time to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (now the Cup Series).
In 2013, she became the first woman to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole position, qualifying first for the prestigious Daytona 500. She went on to finish eighth in the race, a record-breaking achievement at the time. Her best finish in the Cup Series came in 2014 with a sixth-place result at Atlanta Motor Speedway, cementing her place as a pioneer in NASCAR.
Endorsements and Financial Success
Much of Danica Patrick’s $80 million net worth can be attributed to her endorsements. At the height of her career, she was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, earning over $10 million annually from sponsorships.
Her most famous partnership was with GoDaddy, a deal that spanned more than a decade and was reportedly worth around $20 million annually at its peak. Beyond GoDaddy, Patrick represented major brands such as Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Nationwide Insurance, Tissot watches, and several fitness and lifestyle companies.
These sponsorships not only elevated her public image but also provided financial stability long after she retired from racing in 2018.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Danica Patrick has also proven herself as a successful businesswoman. She launched her own wine brand, Somnium, located in Napa Valley, producing premium vintages that reflect her taste for excellence.
In addition, she introduced a women’s athleisure line called Warrior by Danica Patrick, focusing on empowerment and fitness. She also hosts the “Pretty Intense” podcast, where she interviews high-profile guests about success, health, and personal growth.
Through these ventures, Patrick has diversified her income streams, ensuring that her career extends beyond the racetrack.
Media Appearances and Influence
Patrick’s influence has extended into mainstream media. She appeared in a 2010 episode of CSI: NY, featured in music videos by artists like Maroon 5 and Jay-Z, and became a staple in GoDaddy’s often-talked-about Super Bowl commercials.
Her autobiography, “Danica: Crossing the Line” (2006), provides a personal look at her rise in motorsports. She has also been ranked among the most powerful figures in sports, including a spot in Bloomberg Businessweek’s 50 Most Powerful People in Sports and regular appearances on the Forbes list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities.
Personal Life and Family
Beyond her professional achievements, Danica’s personal life has attracted media attention. She married physical therapist Paul Edward Hospenthal in 2005, but the couple divorced in 2013. She later dated NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and NFL star Aaron Rodgers, before a relationship with businessman Carter Comstock, which ended in 2022.
Today, Patrick continues to focus on her businesses, health, and personal growth. She has no children but has often spoken about finding fulfillment in her passions and entrepreneurial ventures.
Legacy and Continued Impact
Danica Patrick’s journey is about more than records and trophies—it is about breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by men. Her achievements have inspired countless young women to believe in their potential, whether in motorsports or other fields where gender inequality persists.
With a career that spans IndyCar, NASCAR, business, media, and philanthropy, Patrick has built a legacy that is both influential and financially rewarding. At 42 years old, with a net worth of $80 million, she continues to reinvent herself, proving that her story goes far beyond the racetrack.