Danica does it -- big time.

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.

Young Southlanders make the Jetta Cup

Not so long ago, the idea of racing diesel-powered cars seemed about as exciting as a vegan barbecue. But now that technology has come on and Volkswagen is producing cars with its Clean Diesel system (that complies with emissions regs in all 50 states), the introduction of the Jetta TDI Cup sounds like fun.

What’s more, congratulations must go to three young men from the Southland: Gary Willams Jr. (26), Dana Point; Ryan Buezter (25), Long Beach; and Evan Pflock (20), Redondo Beach. Along with 27 other drivers from around the country, they have been chosen by VW to compete in the series, which is a great opportunity to get a start in a factory-backed racing program.

An exhaustive (pardon the pun) evaluation process took place April 3 to 6 at the Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona, where a variety of factors into were taken into account, including driving ability and potential, media and communication skills, and overall fit. Of course, the series will also bring TDI tech to an audience of younger, more sport-oriented drivers, as opposed to the traditional tweed-jacketed math professor types who used to be the typical customers of Dr. Diesel.

-- Colin Ryan

Photo: VW USA