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Danica Patrick Wins Daytona 500 Pole, First Woman to Earn Top Spot
Patrick becomes the first female driver to qualify first for NASCAR's premier race.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Danica Patrick has made history by becoming the first woman to win the pole position for the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious race. Patrick, driving for Stewart-Haas Racing, posted the fastest qualifying time, securing the coveted top spot on the starting grid for the 2013 edition of the Daytona 500.
Why it matters
Danica Patrick's achievement is a significant milestone for women in motorsports. As one of the few female drivers competing at the highest level of NASCAR, her pole position win demonstrates the progress women have made in a traditionally male-dominated sport. This historic moment shines a spotlight on the growing presence and competitiveness of female racers in professional auto racing.
The details
Patrick recorded a lap time of 196.434 mph during qualifying, edging out fellow drivers for the pole position. This marks the first time a woman has earned the top starting spot for the Daytona 500, a race that has been dominated by male drivers throughout its history.
- Danica Patrick won the Daytona 500 pole on February 17, 2013.
- The 2013 Daytona 500 was held on February 24, 2013.
The players
Danica Patrick
An American professional racing driver who is one of the few female drivers competing at the highest levels of NASCAR.
Stewart-Haas Racing
The NASCAR team that fields Danica Patrick's car in the Sprint Cup Series.
What they’re saying
“This is a historic moment for me and the sport of NASCAR.”
— Danica Patrick (ESPN)
What’s next
Danica Patrick will look to capitalize on her pole position and become the first woman to win the Daytona 500 when the race takes place on February 24, 2013.
The takeaway
Danica Patrick's pole position win at the Daytona 500 represents a significant breakthrough for women in motorsports, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR. This historic achievement could inspire more female drivers to pursue careers in professional auto racing.
