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It is true that there have been many other women who were faster (Shirley Muldowney), won greater titles (Jutta Kleinschmidt), accomplished more for a sport (Michelle Mutton), or brought more technical expertise (Emilie Le Fur), but the fact remains that D.P. actually did win this race when no other woman in Indy cars had been able to accomplish the same feat. It was a pleasure to see her win.
She might not have been the fastest on the track, but she drove smartly and won with a fantastic and risky strategy - and let's be honest - most motorsports are about strategy in combination with technology (i.e. speed and control).
Unfortunately, women are scrutinized more as they strive to do the same things that other competitors do (bring in sponsorships, get press recognition, win races, and be spectacular). D.P. is playing ball with a bikini instead of by eating a lot of Subway sandwiches like Tony Stewart and while I am uncomfortable that she feel that is the way she must do this, her win is a small step forward in leveling the playing field.
