Danica Patrick is featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Forbes Magazine.  The article discusses Patrick's early success during her rookie year in the IRL, where she led 19 laps in her first Indy 500.  There is also mention of her history making win in April of this year when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar race. 

The Forbes article delves into the business side of the Indy Racing League.  Patrick began her career with the Rahal Letterman Racing team, but in 2007, she made the move to the Andretti Green Racing group.  Andretti Green had won several championships and Danica liked "the way they do business, the way they groom drivers."  The move paid off when Danica won her first IndyCar race in April.

Patrick's win in Motegi proved to be a win for the entire league.  Forbes notes that the first race following her win in Japan drew 1.1 million viewers, a 191.8% increase over the previous year and the largest gain during the 2008 season.  Overall, viewership grew 19% and merchadise sales were up 31% in 2008. 

Open-wheel racing has a mainstream athlete in Danica. She has brought a new interest to IndyCar racing.  For 2009, her goals include winning races, hopefully including the 2009 Indianapolis 500. 

Get the full story by picking up the Winter 2008 issue of Forbes Magazine.