Danica Patrick, a former professional race car driver, has an estimated net worth of $80 million. Throughout her career, she achieved numerous groundbreaking accomplishments for women in motorsports. Notably, she made history by being the first woman to lead the Indy 500 and secure the pole position at the Daytona 500.
Danica Patrick’s journey began when she decided to drop out of high school in order to pursue a racing career. In 2002, she signed with Rahal Letterman Racing, marking the start of her professional racing endeavors. In 2005, Patrick made headlines by becoming the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500.
Building on her success, she achieved another remarkable feat in 2008 by becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race. Patrick’s transition to stock cars led her to the 2013 Daytona 500, where she triumphed in the time trials, becoming the first woman ever to secure the pole position at this prestigious NASCAR event.
Following her retirement from racing in 2018, Danica Patrick embarked on new ventures. She ventured into the world of podcasting, hosting the Pretty Intense weekly podcast.
In addition to her racing career, Patrick has also found success as a model and spokesperson. These endeavors have contributed to her overall income, alongside her achievements on the race track.
Here’s the breakdown of her net worth:
| Name: | Danica Patrick |
| Net Worth: | $80 Million |
| Monthly Salary: | $1 Million |
| Annual Income: | $15 Million |
| Source of Wealth: | Race car driver, Athlete, Spokesperson, Model |
Learn more: Richest Race Car Drivers in the World
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
Patrick, originally named Danica Sue Patrick, was born on March 25, 1982, in Beloit, Wisconsin. At the age of 10, she began racing go-karts alongside her sister. Determined to pursue a career in racing, Patrick made the decision to drop out of high school and headed to England.
In a remarkable achievement, Patrick secured second place at the Formula Ford Festival, setting a new record for the highest finish ever achieved by a woman or an American in the event.
In 2002, Patrick joined Rahal Letterman Racing, a team co-owned by former driver Bobby Rahal and talk show host David Letterman. Throughout the following two years, she experienced moderate success, consistently finishing on the podium. However, she never managed to secure a race victory.
IndyCar Series Career
Danica Patrick had a notable career in the IndyCar Series, making her debut in 2005 with Rahal Letterman Racing. Despite starting her rookie season with a crash and hospitalization, she showed promise by securing a fourth-place finish at the Indy Japan 300, her best result that year. Patrick made history by becoming the first woman to win a pole position in the series and had a strong performance at the prestigious Indianapolis 500, leading laps and finishing fourth. She ended her rookie season with the title of Rookie of the Year for both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series.
In 2006, Patrick returned to Rahal Letterman Racing and achieved moderate success, including two consecutive fourth-place finishes. She finished ninth in the championship standings and received the Sportswoman of the Year award from the March of Dimes. The following year, Patrick joined Andretti Green Racing and continued to make strides in her career. She earned several top-ten finishes and secured her first career win at the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win a top-level open-wheel race. Patrick finished the season in sixth place, the highest position among American drivers.
In 2008, Patrick remained with Andretti Green Racing and had a solid season, finishing sixth in the championship standings. She continued to show her versatility by participating in the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race. In 2009, Patrick achieved her best career result at the Indianapolis 500, finishing in third place, the highest ever for a woman in the history of the race. She ended the season in fifth place overall.
For the 2010 season, Patrick returned to Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series while also competing in a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. She had a mixed season in IndyCar, with a notable second-place finish at the Firestone 550. Patrick finished the season in tenth place.
In 2011, Patrick decided to leave Andretti Autosport at the end of the season. She faced some challenges throughout the year but managed to secure a fifth-place finish at the Milwaukee 225. Her final race of the season, the IndyCar World Championship, was marred by a fatal accident involving Dan Wheldon. Patrick placed tenth in the championship standings.
Patrick’s IndyCar Series career came to an end with the 2011 season as she shifted her focus to NASCAR. She made a brief return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, but her final race ended in a crash.
Stock Car Career
Danica Patrick ventured into stock car racing after her successful IndyCar career. In 2010, she made her debut in the ARCA Racing Series at Daytona International Speedway, finishing sixth. She then moved on to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, facing some challenges in her rookie season. Despite a few setbacks, Patrick had her best finish of the year at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, coming in 19th. She finished 43rd in the drivers’ standings.
Patrick continued her stock car journey in 2011 with JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series, achieving some notable results. She became the highest-finishing woman in national NASCAR history with a fourth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Patrick secured several top-ten finishes throughout the season and finished 26th in points.
In 2012, Patrick raced full-time in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports while also participating in a limited schedule in the Sprint Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing. She made history by becoming the second woman to win a pole position in a national NASCAR race, qualifying on the pole for the DRIVE4COPD 300. Patrick had mixed results throughout the season, including a strong eighth-place finish at the Daytona 500 and an eighth-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway. She finished tenth in the Nationwide Series standings.
The following year, Patrick transitioned to a full-time role in the Sprint Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing. She made headlines by winning the pole for the Daytona 500, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat in the series. Patrick had a strong performance at Daytona, finishing eighth and becoming the highest-placing woman in the history of the race. However, she struggled to maintain consistent results throughout the season and finished 27th in the standings.
In 2014, Patrick remained with Stewart-Haas Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. She had some notable moments, including leading laps and achieving her best career finish of sixth place at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Patrick also set records for the most top-ten finishes by a woman in the series. She finished 28th in the standings.
Patrick continued with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2015, securing two top-ten finishes and setting personal records for career finishes at different tracks. She finished 24th in the drivers’ standings.
In 2016, Patrick stayed with Stewart-Haas Racing but struggled to find consistent success. She had some challenging races and finished 24th in the standings once again.
Patrick concluded her full-time NASCAR career in 2017 with Stewart-Haas Racing. She achieved one top-ten finish and announced her retirement from full-time racing at the end of the season. Patrick’s final race, the 2018 Daytona 500, ended early due to a crash, placing her 35th in the final results.
After retiring from full-time racing, Patrick embarked on the “Danica Double” in 2018, competing in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. She raced for Premium Motorsports in the Daytona 500 and for Ed Carpenter Racing in the Indianapolis 500, concluding her racing career.
Other Pursuits
Danica Patrick has made numerous media appearances throughout her career. She has ventured into television hosting, acting, and even voice acting, showcasing her versatile talents beyond the racetrack. In 2005, Patrick featured in the documentary “Girl Racers” and hosted Spike TV shows such as “Powerblock.” Her fame extended further when she drove a Pagani Zonda Roadster in Jay-Z’s music video for “Show Me What You Got” in 2006.
In addition to her television endeavors, Patrick has embraced the literary world. She published her autobiography, “Danica: Crossing the Line,” in 2006, providing insights into her life and career. She made appearances on popular talk shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman in 2008 after winning her first IndyCar race.
Patrick’s association with GoDaddy.com resulted in several notable media moments. She filmed commercials, including a widely viewed Super Bowl XLIII ad in 2009. In 2008, she met Paul Teutul Sr. and Mikey Teutul of American Chopper, appearing in an episode of the show. Patrick’s success on and off the track made her a popular figure in the advertising world.
The entertainment industry also welcomed Patrick’s talents. She made her acting debut in an episode of CSI: NY in 2010, portraying a race car driver accused of murder. Patrick lent her voice to various productions, such as a cameo in The Simpsons and a playable guest character in the video game Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. She even appeared in Archie Comics’ Sonic Universe #45.
Patrick has also ventured into the world of media and content creation. In 2014, she joined The Players’ Tribune as a featured writer. The platform, founded by former shortstop Derek Jeter, allows athletes to have control over their own content and share their stories. This opportunity to contribute as a writer aligns with Patrick’s desire to have a voice beyond her racing career and connect with her audience on a more personal level.
In recent years, Patrick continued to expand her media presence. She worked as a booth analyst for Fox NASCAR and joined the broadcast team for NBC’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500. Patrick hosted the ESPY Awards in 2018, becoming the first woman to do so. She released her second book, “Pretty Intense,” and appeared in Maroon 5’s music video for “Girls Like You.” Patrick also ventured into podcasting, launching “Pretty Intense” in 2019, where she discusses success and spirituality with guests.
Patrick’s expertise as a pundit extended to Formula 1, as she joined the Sky Sports F1 broadcast team for the 2021 United States Grand Prix. She commentated on Superstar Racing Experience events and select rounds of the NASCAR Cup Series.
Business Ventures
One of Patrick’s notable business ventures is Somnium, her brand of wine. Derived from the Latin word for “dream,” Somnium represents Patrick’s aspirations and passions beyond her racing career. The Somnium Vineyard is situated in St. Helena, California, specifically within the Howell Mountain AVA (American Viticultural Area). Encompassing 24 acres (9.7 hectares) and spanning elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,375 feet (305 to 419 meters), the vineyard is located in an ideal terroir for grape cultivation. Patrick’s involvement in the wine industry showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and interest in the finer aspects of life.
In addition to her wine brand, Patrick has entered the world of fashion with her athleisure collection called “Warrior by Danica Patrick.” Collaborating with G-III Apparel Group, a renowned apparel company, Patrick created a line of clothing that combines fashion and functionality.
The collection draws inspiration from Native American mythology, which she was exposed to during her time in Arizona. The “Warrior” name reflects the strength and determination that Patrick embodies both on and off the track. Her foray into the fashion industry demonstrates her ability to diversify her business ventures and capitalize on her personal brand.
Endorsements
Danica Patrick’s success and popularity as a race car driver have led to numerous endorsements throughout her career. She is represented by IMG talent agency and Excel Sports Management, who have helped secure various high-profile partnerships for her.
Patrick has been featured in advertising campaigns for a wide range of brands. Companies such as AirTran Airways, Secret, Nationwide Insurance, Tissot, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Peak Antifreeze, William Rast, Hot Wheels, GoDaddy.com, Nature’s Bakery, and Lyft have all sought her endorsement. These partnerships not only showcase Patrick’s marketability but also demonstrate the diverse range of industries she has been associated with.
Philanthropy
Beyond promoting products, Patrick has also been involved in philanthropic endeavors. She actively promotes health-conscious lifestyles and has partnered with Williams Sonoma for a campaign supporting No Kid Hungry, a charity working to end childhood hunger. This collaboration highlights her commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact on society and advocate for important causes.
One cause that holds personal significance for Patrick is the fight against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She became the celebrity spokeswoman for DRIVE4COPD, an awareness campaign for the disease that claimed the life of her grandmother. By lending her voice and support to this cause, Patrick raises awareness and helps educate the public about COPD.
Personal Life
Danica Patrick has had an eventful personal life that has garnered significant media attention over the years. In 2005, she married Paul Edward Hospenthal, whom she had met at his office in 2002 while recovering from a hip injury she sustained during a yoga session. Their marriage, however, came to an end in 2013 when they decided to divorce.
Following her divorce, Patrick entered into high-profile relationships with two notable individuals in the sports industry. From 2012 to 2017, she was romantically involved with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a fellow NASCAR driver. Their relationship received attention due to their shared profession and their status as competitors on the racetrack. However, in 2017, Patrick and Stenhouse announced their separation, marking the end of their five-year relationship.
Shortly after her split from Stenhouse, Patrick found love again, this time with Aaron Rodgers, the star quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). The couple’s relationship became public in early 2018, sparking interest from both racing and football fans alike. Their shared passion for sports and their high-profile careers made them a prominent power couple in the world of sports. Unfortunately, their relationship ended in 2020, with Patrick confirming the split.
In 2021, reports emerged suggesting that Danica Patrick had entered into a new relationship with American businessman Carter Comstock. This relationship marked a shift from the sports industry to the business world. However, in 2022, Patrick confirmed that she and Comstock had parted ways, bringing an end to their romantic involvement.