Race day’s a big day in Roscoe

ROSCOE, Ill. – Danica Patrick’s hometown isn’t exactly awash in checkered flags, nor is it buzzing with anything more than the usual activity for a place that boasts all of 6,200 residents.

But only here can you can order a “Danica’s Lucky Charm” – a type of latte with vanilla and creme de menthe.

A little sweet, but with a definite kick.

Yep, the coffee-drink makers at Meg’s Daily Grind clearly know a thing or two about their hometown hero. The owners bought the place three years ago from Danica’s parents, T.J. and Bev Patrick, who are daily customers.

Meg’s would seem to be Danica Central in this town that borders Wisconsin, about a five-hour drive from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On a counter, two interlocking checkered flags and clipped articles about Patrick are mounted on a wood board.

And while Roscoe has left a few stops un-pulled, locals were getting anxious for today’s Indianapolis 500.

“We can’t wait,” says Lindsay North, a hairstylist at Salon Bellezza, where a message on the greaseboard wishes Danica well.

North still does Patrick’s hair when she’s in town. “We keep it long for her photo shoots,” North said. “We layer it, keep it dark. She’s a really easy client.”

Patrick has been the uncontested center of attention during the run-up to the Indy 500, in which she’ll be the only female entrant. But unlike the other three women who have raced here, people seem to think this 23-year-old Indy rookie might have a real shot to win it.

“The whole craze thing is so odd,” lifelong friend Kim Haynes said. “I hear her talking and I’m like, ‘It’s just Danica.’ “

At the Firehouse Pub sports bar, a full house is expected. Danica Patrick memorabilia will be auctioned, with the proceeds benefiting the town’s Fire Department.

Haynes, Patrick’s friend, was planning to head to Indianapolis with her parents and boyfriend. Others, regardless of whether they’re racing fans, will be glued to the TV set today.

When Patrick is in town – a rarity given her schedule and the fact that she lives in Phoenix with her fiance – it’s “just another day. No one makes a big deal of her being in town,” Haynes said.

She thinks that will change, but Danica won’t.

“We’re all proud of her, but I would have been proud of her no matter what she did,” Allen said.