Motor Racing-Patrick's third small consolation for missed chance

Posted at 12:00am on 25 May 2009

By Lewis Franck

INDIANAPOLIS, May 24 (Reuters) - Dania Patrick crashed a traditional male-dominated party four years ago with a fourth place finish at the Indianapolis 500 that left her craving victory in the "the Greatest Spectacle in Racing".

On Sunday, Patrick finished one better with a third place in the event, the highest for a female driver, but again the result was small consolation for what she felt was ultimately another missed opportunity.

"I have mixed emotions about both of them, obviously," said the diminutive Patrick of her third and fourth place finishes.

"I was happy with the day, I was happy with the '05 day with what happened, but to miss a win here -- and it's enough to just have a chance.

"If you can be there, that doesn't happen that often, but to miss it is even more like, oh."

Patrick, who became the first woman to win an Indy Car race with victory in Japan a year ago in April, finished third behind fairytale winner Helio Castroneves and Briton Dan Wheldon, the 2005 champion.

Although competitive, Patrick was left behind in the 18-lap final dash by a relieved Castroneves, the Brazilian spurred on to a tearful victory after being cleared of tax evasion charges at a court in Miami last month.

Patrick had come to Indianapolis with a good feeling based on an unusual fortune cookie that said a "four-wheel adventure" would bring her happiness.

"Why would they even write that? Who has four-wheel adventures?" she asked incredulously.

The third place had not quite satisfied the prediction either, Patrick said.

"No, no, a win would have fulfilled (it)."

(Editing by Ian Ransom; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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