Danica Patrick just made history. Last Sunday, she became the first woman ever to win an IndyCar race when she finished No.1 in the Japan 300. In her 50th career start, Patrick finally got what she wanted since her debut back in 2005: first place.

Patrick poses with her trophy at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan, on April 20, 2008

Photo credit: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

And it’s been a long, long ride since she first got on the road. Patrick was usually tormented with “When are you going to win something?” questions and with comparisons with Anna Kournikova, the tennis player who never won anything but became famous for being good-looking. But Patrick’s no Kournikova. Not anymore.

"I'm not going to lie," she said. "I was getting frustrated. I believed in myself. It was just a matter of when it was going to happen. I've been asked so many times when I'm going to win my first race — finally no more of those questions."

Patrick is one of the Indy’s biggest stars, but she has always been known more for her good looks than her abilities. In 2005 in Indianapolis, she took fourth place — her best result prior to her win in Japan — and that was enough to get her more attention than the race’s winner, Dan Wheldon. She was even named Rookie of the Year for her 2005 IndyCar Series without ever having won anything. So it always came back to haunt her: Was she famous for being good or good-looking? … continue reading

The one time of the year we don’t get up to use the bathroom during commercial breaks has come and gone, and it’s time to assess whether our impending bladder infections were worth it. In short, never mind the game: How about them Super Bowl ads?

If you like cute animals, disembodied hearts and a nearly naked Angelina Jolie, it was probably a good night for you. Here's a rundown of some of the more female- (and fauna-) centered spots from the broadcast and my picks for the best, most boring and just plain bad ads.

The Best

Bridgestone: What’s better than talking animals? Screaming animals. I didn’t say my taste was all highbrow. P.S. Does anyone else think this squirrel is related to the famous Dramatic Prairie Dog?

Budweiser: Maybe I had too much of their product beforehand, but the whole "Rocky of the animal kingdom" thing worked for me. … continue reading

I'm not the fan who confuses an actor and her work. I know that Sharon Stone is not an ice pick–wielding seductress (fortunately), and that Mary McDonnell is not President of anything (which is kind of unfortunate). But I'm still getting used to the idea that Michelle Trachtenberg is no longer running around in sneakers and short pants.

Yeah, there's no denying she is all grown up. And she cast off her aura of innocence years ago with her turn as Celeste, the sex-starved diva on Six Feet Under, and in Eurotrip. But I'm like the aunt who just wants to pinch her cheeks and tell embarrassing stories:

… continue reading

Trachtenberg will be revisiting the family-friendly genre with her latest project, an ABC Family original called Circuit. She'll play a young stock-car driver whose career is taking off, threatening to surpass her father (Billy Campbell), whose own driving career is flagging.

Did you watch the Indianapolis 500 this weekend? Three women competed in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time in the 91-year history of the event. Danica Patrick finished eigth, Sarah Fisher finished eighteenth, and Milka Duno had a minor crash that took her out of the race.

To catch you up on the significance of the women's competition, check out the Sports Illustrated photo gallery of the women and the history of the event.

I can't say I'm a NASCAR fan. I grew up in the South, and never understood it. Boiled peanuts and sweet tea, I understand. Racing around in circles in a track, I don't.

I do admit the women dressed in firesuits give me pause for reflection.

Milka Duno:

Makes me want to dig up my "Beers. Chicks. Trucks" t-shirt. Is it okay to want to come back in another life as a steering wheel? … continue reading