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Jimmie Johnson
Johnson is just one of many who have taken to social media to express what Patrick has meant to them and motorsports. NASCAR president Brent Dewar responded to Patrick's goodbye tweet with, "Thank you Danica!!"

"NASCAR's most successful female" is how Mike Joy repeatedly referred to Patrick during Speedweeks. And Daytona 500 honorary starter, actress Charlize Theron, provided an idea of how Patrick has been an attraction outside of the racing world.
She's incredible, and to have her be part of this, as a woman, that just seems pretty incredible," Theron said. "For me to be able to witness her last race, that feels very special to be here today, too. The girl in me secretly is, obviously, cheering for her as well.
"I just love that even my kids were really impressed that a girl was racing cars today, too. They think that's such a good thing, and we need more of that, and hopefully, we'll have more of that enter this culture, which only makes it better and richer."


My sister may not have been converted to a die-hard race fan because of Patrick, but Patrick made her aware enough to pay attention when a race was on – and even buy a Patrick hat at one point. Just last year she asked me to get her to a race to experience the garage area, and one of her first stops was Patrick's hauler and car.
Now that Patrick is gone, what she did or didn't do on the track will be forgotten by many. But my sister and everyone like her will remember that she was here.