InsideJapan News Network

Japan's IndyCar 300 event has secured a place in racing history after the first ever female winner took the chequered flag.

Danica Patrick - who was named the IndyCar Rookie of the Year in 2005 - saw off competition from second place Helio Castroneves and 2003 series winner Scot Dixon to take pole position on the podium, according to CBC.

Patrick, who drives for Andretti Green Racing, told the website: "I was managing to save fuel and keep the speed up and, when I saw Helio, I knew he was the one to beat.

"I knew there was a good reason for coming to Japan."

The crucial point came in lap 198 of 200, as Patrick - who started from the third row - overtook Castroneves to secure victory by a 5.8594 second margin.

Castroneves praised his fellow driver for doing a "great job" and stated that her win highlights the competitiveness of this year's series, the website reports.



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