Danica Patrick Divorce Over 'Irretrievably Broken' Marriage
Danica Patrick has filed for a divorce from husband Paul Hospenthal recently in order to end their "irretrievably broken" marriage.
The record-making racecar driver married her former physical therapist in 2005. After seven years of marriage, Patrick took to her Facebook page late last year to announce that she was harmoniously splitting from Hospenthal.
"I am sad to inform my fans that after 7 years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage," posted the 30-year-old. "This isn't easy for either of us, but mutually it has come to this. He has been an important person and friend in my life and that's how we will remain moving forward."
The NASCAR driver submitted the paperwork in Arizona's Superior Court of Maricopa County on Jan. 3, according to ESPN.
"My marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation," Patrick wrote in the petition.
Furthermore, the auto racing driver said she is not running in the Indy 500 this year because she wants to focus on her first full-time season on NASCAR's highest level of competition, according to Fox News. Patrick is moving to the Cup series this season for Stewart-Haas Racing.
It is the racer's competitive spirit and impetus that led her to becoming the first woman to lead the Indy 500 in 2005. She is also the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, and has finished 10th in the Nationwide Series this past season for JR Motorsports.
The Indy 500 is not the only opportunity Patrick has turned down recently.
The NASCAR driver was been approached to appear on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" several times in recent years, but Patrick maintained that she has neither the time nor the patience.
"I don't have a month or two ... and I'm a little too intense; I'm too competitive," admitted Patrick, according to Access Hollywood.
"I get mad and people wanna see you smile, and I wouldn't smile," she continued, referring to "DWTS."
Although she claims her attitude would be a problem on the show, Patrick noted that her skills would be impeccable.
"I was a cheerleader and I have some rhythm," said the speed driver. "I can dance."