Danica Patrick sets NASCAR women’s record for top-10 finishes

Danica Patrick didn’t win at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, but her ninth place finish was record-breaking nonetheless.

Patrick’s sixth career top-10 finish in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series gives her the most ever by a female driver.

Janet Guthrie, the previous record holder, had five top-10 finishes in 33 career starts. Patrick, who became a full-time driver in 2013, matched that number in March before breaking the record Sunday at the Food City 500, though she’s made 90 starts.

“We came out of here with a top 10. I got to tell you I did not think -- I was hoping for a top 20 after our weekend. We were like 30 something in practice,” Patrick said, according to NASCAR.com. “Lucked out in qualifying and got 26th, which like I said lucked out. It was a struggle of a weekend, but by all means you take these weekends.”

Patrick sits in 13th place in the Sprint Cup standings with 19 races left in the season, not including the All-Star race, before top 16 drivers begin the Chase for the Cup in elimination-style playoffs for the title.

“I’m proud of everybody for keeping their heads up and staying positive and these are the things that happen when you work together as a team,” Patrick said. “Just keep at it. We had some luck on our side and I really feel like that positivity feeds into getting some luck and being at the right place at the right time.”

Patrick is scheduled to race in the Toyota Owners 400 this Saturday at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia.

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme