Danica does it -- big time.

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After running in 50 races without a win, being on the top step of the podium is a moment to really savor. This time it was especially sweet, because the victor stands apart in this ferociously male-dominated world. Last weekend, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, the Indy Japan 300.

With two laps left of the grueling 200-lap event, Patrick took her Andretti Green open-wheeled machine past Helio Castroneves (a winner of Dancing With The Stars -- here’s another challenge for Patrick) to take the lead and the checkered flag. By this time, Castroneves was in fuel conservation mode, but Patrick’s excellent team strategy gave her the juice to go for the win.

It’s been a long time coming for the Wisconsin-born 26-year-old. Even after leading the Indy 500 (the first woman to do so) and winning the Rookie of the Year title in 2005, Patrick was in danger of not being taken seriously (the Anna Kournikova of motor sport was the usual jibe). Regardless of gender, though, results are what count.

And this was no Sunday drive at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. Rain had forced the cancellation of the previous day’s qualifying session and also postponed the start. But Patrick, one of the few women to occupy the seat of a race car at such a high level, has now made history in a historic race. This was the last meeting before a merger with the Champ Car series.

-- Colin Ryan