Will Danica Dazzle at Daytona?

Andy Gray | Feb 21, 2013

Danica Patrick :: Marlena Bielinska/SI

Danica Patrick will make history Sunday when she becomes the first woman to start from the pole position in the 54-year history of the Daytona 500. The 30-year-old driver made the move from IndyCar to NASCAR last year. Patrick will be racing against her new boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who will start from the 12th position. Patrick made news of another kind of news in 2008 when she posed in a four-page spread for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She returned the following year for another swimsuit spread as her popularity skyrocketed.  So can Danica win at Daytona? According to SI's Lars Anderson, it would be the story of the decade if she were able to win the race but few insiders think she has a chance. However, Anderson points out that she drives one of the most powerful cars in the race and Trevor Bayne came out of nowhere to win in 2011 so it's not out of the realm of possibility. All the questions will be answered on Sunday afternoon. Until then, enjoy these shots of Patrick posing for the Swimsuit issue.

GALLERY: Danica Patrick's 2008 SI Swimsuit Photos

GALLERY:Danica Patrick's 2009 SI Swimsuit Photos

ANDERSON: Patrick a longshot to win at Daytona

LONG:Patrick has a chance to make history at Daytona

Danica Patrick :: Ben Watts/SI

***********

Danica Patrick :: Ben Watts/SI

***********

Danica Patrick :: Marlena Bielinska/SI

***************

Danica Patrick :: Marlena Bielinska/SI