Jimmie Johnson roared to his second Daytona 500 win Sunday, but the 55th Great American Race might well be remembered as the Danica 500 
Danica Patrick greets fans as she is introduced before the 2013 Daytona 500 on Sunday. (Photo: Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports) Story Highlights - Patrick finished eighth in Sunday's Daytona 500, the highest finish for a female driver
- Patrick became the 13th driver to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500
- The day after she won the pole, she was featured on the front of more than 100 newspapers
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Even James Franco knew this was Danica Patrick's Daytona 500.
As the grand marshal for NASCAR's biggest race Sunday, the actor veered off script when it came time to recite racing's most famous words.
"Drivers — and Danica — start your engines!" he said.
Jimmie Johnson might have won the race, but years from now the 55th running of the Daytona 500 might be remembered more for Patrick winning the pole position and how she capitalized on the opportunity.
BACK TO NORMAL: Johnson wins Daytona 500
For seven consecutive days after she became the first woman to win a Sprint Cup Series pole, it was the Danica 500.
She did interviews with all three nightly news broadcasts (CBS, NBC, ABC) as well as CNN and Fox News — significantly more attention than any other NASCAR driver has gotten in recent memory.
The day after she won the pole, she was featured on the front of more than 100 newspapers.
Undoubtedly, all of the coverage drew viewers to Sunday's race who had never seen a NASCAR event. And Patrick gave those who tuned in a reason to stay until the finish.
Against most expectations, Patrick ran in the top 10 throughout the day and had a realistic shot to win the race. She was in third place heading into the final lap but finished eighth when the veteran drivers made better moves at the end.
SUNDAY: Patrick finished eighth in Daytona 500
By justifying the hype, Patrick was able to offset a mostly dull debut for NASCAR's Gen 6 cars. She did well enough that her new fans might even be curious enough to watch next week's race at Phoenix International Raceway.
"I'm jacked up, man!" said her crew chief, Tony Gibson. "That was awesome. We had a shot to win there, and that's all you can ask for. ... She impressed the heck out of me all day long."
Much like she did when running the Indianapolis 500, Patrick produced when the spotlight was at its brightest. She not only scored the highest finish for a female driver in the Daytona 500 but also became the 13th driver — male or female — to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500.
In nine combined races between American auto racing's two biggest events, she has finished outside the top 10 twice.
Patrick thrives in a tornado of attention, feeding off the madness surrounding her.
She entered Daytona Speedweeks as the dominant topic of conversation thanks to the revelation she was dating fellow rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (who finished 12th Sunday). And when she won the pole position, the media coverage exploded into a story that extended well beyond NASCAR — and, in some cases, even sports.
STAR TURN: Patrick's pole a landmark achievement
The scrutiny only intensified Sunday morning at Daytona International Speedway. Pit road was jammed with more people than many observers could recall seeing — and dozens surrounded Patrick's car. The frenzy seemed to even exceed that of Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the height of his popularity.
PHOTOS: Danica Patrick's NASCAR career 
Danica Patrick waves to the crowd as she is introduced before the 2013 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick (10), the first woman ever to start on a Sprint Cup pole, leads Jeff Gordon (24) to the green flag at the start of the 2013 Daytona 500. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
By virtue of winning the pole, Danica Patrick got to pick the first pit stall for the 2013 Daytona 500. Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick waves to the crowd as she is introduced before the 2013 Daytona 500. Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick waves to her fans after making NASCAR history by becoming the first woman to win a Sprint Cup pole. Patrick qualified first for the 2013 Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick poses with the pole winner sign after becoming the first woman to win the Daytona 500 pole position on Feb. 17, 2013. Chris Graythen, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick is nothing but smiles as she addresses the media after winning the pole position for the 2013 Daytona 500. Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick was the eighth driver out on the track during qualifying for the 2013 Daytona 500. She posted a speed of 196.434 mph, which held up throughout the day. Douglas Jones, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick prepares before heading out onto the track during qualifying for the 2013 Daytona 500. Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick walks from her hauler to her garage during practice for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2013. Phelan M. Ebenhack, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went public with their romantic crelationship in early 2013 after rumors swirled about the fellow Sprint Cup rookies. Chris Graythen, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick applies makeup before a television interview during NASCAR media day at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 2013. John Raoux, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick gets a hand from her crew as she prepares to take the track for qualifying practice for the 2013 Daytona 500. Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick has formed a tight bond with her team owner and fellow competitor Tony Stewart. Davis Turner for USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
In preparation for her first full season as a Sprint Cup driver, Danica Patrick speaks with the press during the NASCAR Media Tour on Jan. 21, 2013. Jeff Siner, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick high-fives fans prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Ross D. Franklin, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick (10) lands on top of Paul Menard during a crash on the final lap of the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images for NASCAR Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick behind the wheel during practice for the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images for NASCAR Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick is introduced before the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Patrick would go on to finish a career- and season-best 24th. Jerome Miron, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick takes on tires and fuel during a pit stop at the Nov. 4 AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race. Patrick was one of 25 drivers to finish on the lead lap. Tom Pennington, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick finished 24th at the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 4. Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images for NASCAR Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick waves to the fans during driver introductions at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept 2, 2012 in Hampton, Georgia. By John Harrelson, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick during qualifying for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Aug 31, 2012. By Kevin Liles, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick presents the award for Best Team onstage with NBA player Steve Nash at the 2012 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A on July 11, 2012. By Kevin Winter, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick, driver of the http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/02/24/danica-patrick-daytona-500-success/1944937/%2310 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sept 30, 2012. By Tom Pennington, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Pat Summitt, left, head coach emeritus of the Tennessee women's basketball team, greets Danica Patrick before the Food City 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race on Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, in Bristol, Tenn. Summitt was the grand marshal of the race. By Mark Humphrey, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick starts her car prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug 24, 2012 in Bristol, Tennessee. By Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Danica Patrick sits down for an interview with Pardon the Interruption co-hosts Tony Kornheiser, left, and Michael Wilbon on Feb 21, 2012.
Danica Patrick greets fans as she is introduced before the 2013 Daytona 500 on Sunday. (Photo: Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Even James Franco knew this was Danica Patrick's Daytona 500. As the grand marshal for NASCAR's biggest race Sunday, the actor veered off script when it came time to recite racing's most famous words. "Drivers — and Danica — start your engines!" he said. Jimmie Johnson might have won the race, but years from now the 55th running of the Daytona 500 might be remembered more for Patrick winning the pole position and how she capitalized on the opportunity. BACK TO NORMAL: Johnson wins Daytona 500 For seven consecutive days after she became the first woman to win a Sprint Cup Series pole, it was the Danica 500. She did interviews with all three nightly news broadcasts (CBS, NBC, ABC) as well as CNN and Fox News — significantly more attention than any other NASCAR driver has gotten in recent memory. The day after she won the pole, she was featured on the front of more than 100 newspapers. Undoubtedly, all of the coverage drew viewers to Sunday's race who had never seen a NASCAR event. And Patrick gave those who tuned in a reason to stay until the finish. Against most expectations, Patrick ran in the top 10 throughout the day and had a realistic shot to win the race. She was in third place heading into the final lap but finished eighth when the veteran drivers made better moves at the end. SUNDAY: Patrick finished eighth in Daytona 500 By justifying the hype, Patrick was able to offset a mostly dull debut for NASCAR's Gen 6 cars. She did well enough that her new fans might even be curious enough to watch next week's race at Phoenix International Raceway. "I'm jacked up, man!" said her crew chief, Tony Gibson. "That was awesome. We had a shot to win there, and that's all you can ask for. ... She impressed the heck out of me all day long." Much like she did when running the Indianapolis 500, Patrick produced when the spotlight was at its brightest. She not only scored the highest finish for a female driver in the Daytona 500 but also became the 13th driver — male or female — to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. In nine combined races between American auto racing's two biggest events, she has finished outside the top 10 twice. Patrick thrives in a tornado of attention, feeding off the madness surrounding her. She entered Daytona Speedweeks as the dominant topic of conversation thanks to the revelation she was dating fellow rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (who finished 12th Sunday). And when she won the pole position, the media coverage exploded into a story that extended well beyond NASCAR — and, in some cases, even sports. STAR TURN: Patrick's pole a landmark achievement The scrutiny only intensified Sunday morning at Daytona International Speedway. Pit road was jammed with more people than many observers could recall seeing — and dozens surrounded Patrick's car. The frenzy seemed to even exceed that of Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the height of his popularity. PHOTOS: Danica Patrick's NASCAR career Story Highlights
