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Powered by BEA Systems, Danica
Patrick Bids to Make History at Indianapolis 500
Driver Posts Fast Time to Become
Only Fourth Female to Qualify for the Crown Jewel of Racing
BEA Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAS),
sponsor of the Indianapolis 500 defending champion Rahal
Letterman Racing and the power behind rahal.com, congratulates
driver Danica Patrick on her continued success during her first
start at the Indianapolis 500. Patrick posted a four lap
qualifying mark of 227.004 mph, giving her a fourth place start
for the running of the 2005 Indianapolis 500. Her lap time
surpasses the sixth place start of Lyn St. James in 1994 and
gives Patrick the highest starting position for any female driver
in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Rounding out the
formidable Rahal Letterman Racing contingent at Indianapolis are
Vitor Meira, who will start seventh, and Kenny Brack, driving for
the injured Buddy Rice.
Patrick's performance thus far at
Indianapolis has continued a trailblazing career that includes a
collection of impressive accomplishments and firsts. A former
karting standout, at the age of 16 Patrick moved to England to
fine-tune her open-wheel skills in the British Formula Ford ranks.
In 2004, she placed third in points in the Toyota Atlantic
Championship, including 10 top-five finishes in 12 races, and
became the first female driver to win a pole position in the
Toyota Atlantic at Portland. In 2003, Patrick was the first
female to post a podium (top three) result in the 30-year history
of the Atlantic series with a third place finish at Monterrey,
Mexico. In 2000 she was the runner up in the renowned Formula
Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, which is the best showing for any
American in the history of the race.
"With her incredible talent
and striking presence, Danica brings a breath of fresh air to a
sport that has been male dominated for so many years," said
Stuart Gold, vice president of global forums and sponsorships,
BEA Systems, Inc. "Danica has had a tremendous impact on the
sport and the IRL IndyCar Series. She has seized the opportunity
of the Indianapolis 500 to showcase for her talent and her
unbelievable marketing appeal. BEA is proud to support Danica and
Rahal Letterman racing in their team bid to repeat as winner of
the Indianapolis 500."
Prior to Patrick, only three women
have qualified to race in the Indianapolis 500, considered the
Super Bowl of open-wheel racing in the United States. The pioneer
was Janet Guthrie, who competed in three Indianapolis 500's
during the 1970s and 1980s, followed by Lynn St. James with a
record seven starts and Sarah Fisher with an impressive five
appearances. To date, Guthrie's ninth-place finish in 1978 is the
highest finish for any female competitor. All that could change
with a top finish from Danica, one of the most talented rookies
racing in the Indy Racing League.
For More Information: bea.com/rahal-racing.
About BEA
BEA Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: BEAS)
is a world leader in enterprise infrastructure software, helping
enable companies to improve business responsiveness through
service-oriented architecture (SOA), a software design approach
that more closely aligns IT with business objectives. With 15,000
customers worldwide including the majority of the Fortune Global
500, BEA and its WebLogic® and Tuxedo® brands are among the
most trusted names in business technology. Headquartered in San
Jose, Calif., BEA has 76 offices in 36 countries. More
information on BEA products and services is available at www.bea.com.
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