Danica Patrick Heats Up SI's Swimsuit Issue

NEW YORK — IndyCar racecar driver Danica Patrick, 26, traded in her protective Nomex undies for a teeny-weeny bikini, posing again for Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue.

The 5-foot-2, 100-pound Patrick modeled for last year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and now has stepped back into her leg-lengthening stilettos for the magazine's 2009 swimsuit issue, this time draped over the hood of a Shelby Cobra replica.

Patrick's appearance in last year's special issue came before her victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300, her first win in the IndyCar series. Prior to her performance for Andretti Green Racing at the Motegi oval, Patrick's most notable accomplishment in top-class racing came when she earned Rookie of the Year for both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series season.

Inside Line says: Let's see Dale Earnhardt Jr. do that. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor