KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- Danica Patrick has another first on her short Indy Racing League resume. The 23-year-old rookie won her first IRL pole Saturday at Kansas Speedway, becoming the second woman to take the top spot.
Patrick, the first woman to lead a lap at the Indianapolis 500, turned in a quick lap of 214.688 mph on her second try around the 1 1/2-mile tri-oval in qualifying for Sunday's Argent Mortgage Indy 300. Sarah Fisher was the first female pole-sitter, starting first at a race in 2002 in Kentucky.
With two teammates qualifying second and third, Patrick's chances of earning her first IRL victory are even better.
''It's very satisfying,'' said Patrick, who edged out Rahal Letterman teammate Buddy Rice for the pole. ''I'm very proud of how hard this team has worked, how hard I've worked. I'm just proud of the whole situation for this team.''
Patrick, making her eighth career start, was fastest in her morning practice session, too. Her pole-winning time drew a big cheer from the capacity crowd waiting for the start of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.
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