At just 20 years old, Danica Patrick participated in the Long Beach Pro Celebrity Race in an effort to secure a seat in CART's developmental Toyota Atlantic Series. Patrick, who had been racing overseas in Formula Vauxhall and Formula Ford, was greeted with disdain by some. Patrick then agreed to a bet with
Tommy Kendall in an effort to prove herself. Whoever won the race would get to lead the other driver down pit lane by a leash and collar. Patrick responded by leading all pro and celebrity drivers in becoming the first female pro to win the event and, coincidentally, the bet.
