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Danica Patrick won her first race in April in Japan after nearly three years on the IRL circuit.

There was also a “disagreement” in an ambulance between Patrick and Jacques Lazier at Fontana in 2005, the aftermath of a coming-together on the track; some critical comments about the driving ability of 1998 Indy 500 winner Eddie Cheever Jr. after a coming-together at Watkins Glen in 2006; and the most celebrated — an in-your-face confrontation last June with Wheldon after the latter’s move at Milwaukee caused Patrick to spin.

But such confrontations are bound to occur in the close quarters of Indy-car racing.

Patrick has been particularly adept at bringing her cars home in one piece, and with each race she has gained a wealth of experience that results in her usually running with the lead pack of drivers.

She has improved with each season. In 2005, she won three poles and finished fourth twice to win the honor for top rookie. In 2006, she again scored a pair of fourth-place finishes and finished ninth in the standings. Last year, she reached the podium for the first time and was  seventh in the final standings.

On Sunday, she aims for win No. 2 at the sport's biggest venue. And with her comes earned respect.

“I’ve never had a problem with her before,” said teammate Kanaan, last year’s Indy 500 runner-up. “To me, when she puts on her helmet, she’s just another driver. She does a great job and she’s been a great teammate. I’ve always said that she’s capable of winning, and now she has.”