<div><p>Danica Patrick, who became the first woman to win an IndyCar race with a victory last year in Japan, said on Monday she has signed a three-year contract extension to remain with Andretti Autosport.</p><p>Patrick completed her third season with the team in 2009, finishing third at the Indianapolis 500. It was the first podium placing by a woman at the signature IndyCar event, improving on her fourth-place effort from 2005.</p><p>"Michael Andretti has helped me become a better driver and we hope to accomplish a great deal during the next few years together," Patrick said. "My life-long goal is to win the Indy 500."</p><p>Patrick, who finished a career-best fifth in the IndyCar season points standings this year, had the team owner and son of racing legend Mario Andretti serving as her race strategist this season.</p><p>"All of us at Andretti Autosport are looking forward to having Danica back with the team," Andretti said.</p><p>Patrick has been interested in filling gaps in the IndyCar campaign by driving at some level in the US stock car series NASCAR. She told Fox News that she has been in talks for such a deal but had no announcement.</p><p>"We've been working on it," Patrick said. "I love to drive. I love to race. If I got the chance to run both series, I'd love that. I would be excited about the challenge."</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=64491015&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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