Danica Patrick said Tuesday she and her husband are divorcing after seven years of marriage. Patrick announced the split with Paul Hospenthal on her Facebook page.
"I am sad to inform my fans that after 7 years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage," Patrick wrote. "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."
Patrick, now 30, and Hospenthal, now 47, met when physical therapist Hospenthal was treating her for a non-racing-related injury. They were married in 2005, the same year that Patrick burst into national prominence with her rookie season of IndyCar racing.
Patrick last week finished her first full season in NASCAR competition, having run full time in the Nationwide Series as well as 10 Sprint Cup events. She finished 10th in the Nationwide standings, making her the highest-finishing female driver in the history of NASCAR's three national series.