Patrick crashes, out at Milwaukee Mile

WEST ALLIS, Wisc. -- Indy Racing League rookie sensation Danica Patrick escaped injury after crashing into the wall during Sunday's A.J. Foyt 225 at the Milwaukee Mile.

The only woman racing in the IndyCar Series was running sixth on the 126th of 225 laps when it appeared the rear of her Rahal Letterman Racing entry slid out from under her, sending her car back end first into the wall at the second turn.

Patrick, who has caused considerable excitement with her performances this year, including a fourth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500, quickly scrambled from the car and walked to a waiting ambulance for a ride to the mandatory checkup at the infield at the infield medical center.

"It was just such a sudden snap. I don't know what happened," Patrick said after being released. "I was just pretty much where I had been running all the time, and I wasn't running any faster. Maybe it was my fault. I'll take the blame."

It was the first time Patrick has crashed since being part of a multicar accident in the season-opening race at Homestead. The 23-year-old driver came away from that one with a concussion.

"It just got away from her," team co-owner Bobby Rahal said of Sunday's crash. "Everybody's been slipping and sliding. I saw Dario (Franchitti) had a big wiggle just ahead of her. Too bad, she was doing a real good job."

Tomas Scheckter, running just behind Patrick, had to avoid her when her car spun. He was able to maintain control of his car and stayed in the race.