America's sexiest racing driver switches to NASCAR full time

Danica Patrick, the pin-up girl of motor racing driver and a top model, has sensationally switched codes to compete in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) championship full time.

Born in Beloit, Wisconsin, the 29-year-old's best ever finish in the IndyCar Series was third and in March she finished fourth in the NASCAR rankings.

That position was a record for a female driver - and that helped convince the brunette to make a permanent move, in what she describes as 'the worst kept secret in motor sport.