Patrick’s groundbreaking driving career ends with Indy crash

Chicago, USA: Danica Patrick's 20-year auto racing career came to an abrupt end Sunday when her car crashed into a wall before the halfway point of the Indianapolis 500.

Patrick, the only woman to win an IndyCar race and start from pole at the Daytona 500 NASCAR stock car race, escaped injury after losing control and hitting the wall on lap 68 then spinning across the track and coming to rest.

The 36-year-old American climbed out of the car and was examined and released from the on-site medical facility.

"Today was really disappointing, for what we were hoping for and what you want for your last race," she said. "But I'm grateful for all of it. I wish I could have finished stronger."

Patrick won the 2008 Indy Japan 300 and was third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, the only podium finish for a woman in the race's history.

She had identified the 102nd Indy 500 as her last race before turning her attention to business interests.