Well, ever since we saw Danica Patrick finish fourth at Indy, we've been smitten. The story has everything SFist could ask for -- incredibly fast cars, high technology, controversy and a woman in a man's world. Doesn't hurt that she's kind of super-cute.

The controversy, of course, is that she's dozens of pounds lighter than many of the other top drivers -- she's rather petit at around 100 pounds, which means quicker acceleration (lower mass to horsepower ratio) and less fuel consumption. But Indy Racing League officials have refused to handicap her, and she can certainly hold her own against some of the world's best drivers.

Earlier today, she and fellow racer Buddy Rice took a couple of laps in their cars around Ghiradelli Square, and Jon Swenson of the Shark's Page was there to capture the action. She'll be competing in the first IRL event ever at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma this weekend. Go cheer her on to the checkered flag!

Photos by John Swenson.