[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF DANICA PATRICK AT THIS YEAR'S 
                            INDIANAPOLIS 500

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beloit, Wisconsin 
native Danica Patrick for her outstanding achievement at this year's 
Indianapolis 500. Anyone who watched the race knows that her 
performance this past May was simply remarkable.
  Even before the green flag dropped, Danica amazed the racing world by 
qualifying in the fourth position, marking the highest beginning 
position for a woman in the Indianapolis 500's history. When the race 
started, fans across the country watched as Danica advanced as high as 
third place. At lap 80, Danica's engine stalled, causing her to drop 
back to 16th place. It looked like the race was over for her, but she 
fought back. As the race sped to its end, Danica charged through the 
field, advanced place after place, and eventually led the race for a 
total of 19 laps. Rather than play it safe, Danica gunned it out for 
the win by using all the fuel she had instead of taking a pit stop. As 
the checkered flag waived, Danica's efforts came up just short as she 
finished fourth--the highest finish ever for a woman. While Danica did 
not win this year's Indy 500, her performance won her this year's 
Rookie of the Year award and helped her capture the attention of racing 
fans around the world.
  Danica's philosophy is that ``life is what you make of it,'' and she 
says she prepares for races by visualizing herself making laps around 
the track. She gives her work her full attention, and it is clear that 
her dedication is strong and her perseverance fierce. I join Wisconsin 
in applauding Danica for her performance at this year's Indianapolis 
500 and for her hard work and dedication in becoming one of Formula 1 
Racing's most exciting drivers. I cannot wait to see Danica's future 
electrifying races and I wish her the best of luck.
  Congratulations to you, Danica.

                          ____________________