Copyright PR Photos Danica Patrick has been marketed successfully by the IRL. It has not been only the IRL, but also Patrick herself, who has created the marketing machine. One thing has been missing, however, from her resume. A win.

That all changed on Sunday when Patrick became the winner of the Indy Japan 300. She had finished close before Sunday, but never won. On Sunday, it took a late charge to become a champion.

Patrick passed Helio Castroneves
with only three laps remaining in the race, then she held on for the win. It was her first title, and gave credibility to the driver's career.

Patrick has always come across as confident in the things she has done. Whether in interviews, or posing in various magazines, her confidence was never in question.

"It's a long time coming. Finally. It's been a lot of years of built-up pressure and pressure I put on myself," said Patrick after winning the race.