Patrick races into history

Grabs lead with 3 laps to go, becomes first woman to win a major auto race

Danica Patrick made history Saturday as midnight struck.

Patrick became the first woman to win a major auto race by capturing the IndyCar Series’ event at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan.

Patrick, led by a smart call by team manager Kyle Moyer, Monrovia, Ind., went the final 51 laps without a pit stop to become the surprise winner of the Indy Japan 300.

Patrick passed two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves three laps from the finish to take the lead as the front-runners pitted.