Another Women in Sports First

I came across a headline today that I found interesting. It seems that Danica Patrick has become the first woman to win an IndyCar race.

http://sports.yahoo.com/irl/news?slug=ap-irl-indyjapan300&prov=ap&type=lgns

After reading the article, I was encouraged but somewhat surprised that no one mentioned the controversy that has surrounded her in the last couple of years. Many of the men in the IndyCar circuit have complained repeatedly that she had an unfair weight advantage in the races. Apparently, the regulation of the cars they drive is rather rigid when it comes to weight, but the weight of the car was taken without a passenger. The male drivers have complained that because Danica is a woman and lighter, that the weight of her car as she is driving is lower than the weight of the cars with male drivers, and as a result, she can go faster. Or something. I don't follow racing and don't really understand the rules and regulations, but I have friends who do and brought this to my attention.

It was nice to read the supportive comments by the other drivers and have no one take away from her win by mentioning the weight issue.

So as another barrier falls and another first occurs, congratulations to Danica Patrick. Maybe sports writers and commentators will begin to give her the respect she deserves.

Edit 4/21/08 : Or not... Today's Yahoo Sports opinion column. Putting Patrick’s Victory in Perspective