Courtesy: Indy Racing League
On the heels of her first race victory and leading into the 92nd Running of the Indianapolis 500, IndyCar Series star Danica Patrick graces the cover of the Sports Illustrated issue that will be on newsstands May 14.

It’s Patrick’s second appearance on the cover of the magazine. The first came after her fourth-place finish in the 2005 Indianapolis 500. She also was featured in this year’s Swimsuit Issue.

Lars Anderson writes about Patrick’s star power on Pole Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, during which she qualified fifth for the May 25 race.

On April 27 at Twin Ring Motegi, Patrick became the first female to win a major closed-course auto race.

During her first trip to the Indianapolis 500 in ’05, Patrick qualified and finished fourth. She became the first female to lead a lap (19 overall), and battled eventual winner Dan Wheldon for the point in the latter stages before fading because of fuel mileage. Her run triggered a groundswell of media and promotional opportunities that continue to this day.

Winning the Indy Japan 300 in her 50th IndyCar Series race has heightened interest in the driver and the series. Patrick will be joined on Row 2 in this year’s race by Andretti Green Racing teammate Tony Kanaan and Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves.

Edmonds has also played with the Angels and Cardinals.