The Danica Mania at Indy

What the IndyCars series wants is the universal appeal of the Indy 500 being restored. From flash-bulbs popping, Sharpies-wielding fans sticking their faces like celluloid on the catch-fence at the Speedway, to airwaves on the 500 filling across the better part of the globe, to radio talk shows kibitzing on the 500. Currently, the buzz is hovering somewhere down South in one quaint old place in Florida. Need anymore clues?

And to achieve that, the IndyCars series needs an American woman driver to win the 500 (read: Danica Patrick). Okay, that's a subtle way of putting another 15 tons of pressure on that sleek figure, which's almost carrying a burden of hope like Atlas did in Greek Mythology. But having seen her handle questions from the media like swatting flies, this wouldn't change her a wee bit. More so, this might be the umpteenth time someone's prepared to wager on Danica.

She's already the toast of Indianapolis, the Midwest probably, and the darling of the media. Sample a couple of headlines that ran across the major newspapers across the United States after pole day. "Kanaan takes pole, while Danica is a disappointing fourth ran," said one newspaper. "Danica starts from the second row," said another.

A disappointing fourth — you must be kidding. For a rookie to start just behind the three IndyCar champions is God-sent. But not for Danica. America wants Danica to deliver. And now expectations are soaring high for this young driver from Roscoe, IL, who is suddenly being hailed the Annika Sorenstam of open-wheel racing.

Of all the women who have sauntered on a race suit and have been shoehorned into the cockpit of an IndyCar at the Brickyard, Danica looks a sure-bet for the win. She has got the composure, the mental make-up, the right equipment, an all-encompassing team owner, and more than an adept crew at her call. In a nutshell, it's called a winning unit. Or in rock music-speak, a tight band.

The work that this team has done in the garages and the countless hours Bobby Rahal and Co. have spent scouting have paid off. Already, priceless nuggets are being carved by this comely 23-year-old. Who holds the fastest speed at the track, who holds the fastest one-lap record on qualifying, who is the fastest woman at the Speedway? To all these questions, there is only one answer — Danica Patrick.

With Rahal Letterman Racing, Danica has found an abode where she has a legitimate shot at winning. Wonder if she is dreaming about how to open a bottle of milk come May 29 (weather permitting, that is). Not to be embarrassed, just in case.

But to do that, she has to overcome certain hurdles. She is racing against some of the top names in the field. Leading the contingent is Tony Kanaan, who looks a cross between Vin Diesel and Joe Satriani. Then there is Sam Hornish, Jr., hoping to break his duck at the Brickyard, and who could very well be the sentimental favorite. Scott Sharp suddenly looks to be the darkhorse. But Honda power and a new team have given the spark that this former co-champion craved.

To Danica's amazement, she's got some exalted company. Two-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves' largesse (or is that insatiable appetite?) gave Danica a move up in the starting grid, but Castroneves is sure to crowd her mirrors. Bet against the Spiderman giving any tips to Danica.

Granted piloting an IndyCar at the Speedway is not such a horrendous act like what Lara Croft had to endure in England and in South East Asia, but Danica might very well fancy her to be the racing version of this gaming icon.

If Danica does it May 29, then it's not just going to be a major fillip to the IRL community, but several women's rights group would soon throng her cavalcade and don't be surprised if you spot Martha Stewart at the camping grounds on Georgetown Road just before race day.