Danica Patrick became the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2005. Her performance in one of auto racing’s most prestigious events not only broke gender barriers but also placed her firmly in the spotlight of a sport traditionally dominated by men. Patrick finished the race in fourth place, the highest finish by a woman in the history of the Indy 500 at that time, setting a new standard and serving as an inspiration for women in motorsports and beyond.