by Bob Pockrass, Sports Illustrated
When Danica Patrick took the lead as an Indianapolis 500 rookie 20 years ago, she could see the fans on their feet cheering.
But Patrick didn’t realize why they were cheering.
“I truly thought it was because they were so excited that the race was almost over,” said Patrick, who had taken the lead under caution on Lap 172. “I did not think it was about me.
“I was like, ‘Wow, everybody’s so excited. It’s almost over. It’s exciting.’”