Danica Patrick to NASCAR?

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Danica Patrick to NASCAR...in 2007? - "Danica Patrick could become the next star driver to defect from another major racing series to NASCAR. "I'm trying to get her here [into NASCAR]," said T.J. Patrick, father of the woman who dazzled the motor racing world last year by nearly winning the Indianapolis 500, but has struggled with a mediocre Indy Racing League car ever since. T.J. Patrick, who has managed his daughter's career since her childhood, was at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday, holding exploratory talks with some Nextel Cup teams and sponsors about the possibility of Danica leaving the IRL for NASCAR as early as next year. Her contract expires with the IRL's Rahal-Letterman Racing team, co-owned by TV comic David Letterman, at the end of this season. In addition to considering NASCAR, the Patricks are negotiating with other IRL teams -- and appear unlikely to renew with Rahal-Letterman next year. Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman racing, declined comment through a spokesperson. Danica, 24, wasn't at Sunday's USG Sheetrock 400 NASCAR race. T.J. and Danica's mother, Bev, came to the Joliet track because "we've had some inquiries" from NASCAR teams, T.J. said. The Patricks were in the Nextel Cup garage area as guests of the powerful Roush Racing team, which fields five Ford teams.(Orlando Sentinel/Ed Hinton)(7-10-2006)"

(Courtesy of Jayski)
 
...Lets get Danica with DEI or Rousch and I'd be a happy man. She deserves better, and with her skills, I think she could probably have a better chance of winning in NASCAR as compared to Indy.
 
This is a tricky deal. Danica Patrick once said that she had no immediate plans to go to NASCAR. She is in an exceptional series with close finishes and where winning is tough, but not F1 tough. I'm just confused about this sort of 360-degree turnaround to having NASCAR interest. She's shown that she can race an Indy car. She did well even with the lesser-favored Panoz G-Force chassis. I don't want to see Danica more like "I have a better chance of winning races with NASCAR than with the IndyCar Series." You know how I feel about passing. I always say it's a tactic, not a marketing tool.

Speaking of marketing, let me say what someone else would probably say- "oh great. Market-happy NASCAR is going to be even more market-happy with Danica Patrick coming along. Now Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn't going to be the only public face of NASCAR." I respect Danica Patrick as a racer and as a person. Out of all the races I've seen her in, she probably could have won the Indy 500 had it not been for some fuel pressure issues. The toughest thing to admit is loving Danica Patrick because of her racing talent and not so much a lady driver with talent. As an analogy, I'm proud of Danica Patrick in the IndyCar Series as I am with Milka Duno in sportscar racing. She has a passionate attitude towards winning that most people don't really take credit for. People are like, "she needs to win." Dave Despain of WindTunnel mentioned D. Patrick on the basis that real drivers win races and not get 2nd or worse. She's not truly pressured to win; some of us PUT that pressure on Danica. I have yet to see her win a race, but at least I know she has the talent. Somewhere within the 5'2" frame of a 24-year old Wisconsin girl lies someone capable of great things. I'm giving her a chance in ANY motorsport she chooses. It can range from Indy Car racing, to stock cars, to sportscar racing, Formula One... hell. She could even be doing World of Outlaws or demolition derby and still support her. I think people lost interest in Danica simply because she has yet to win a race in a major American race series. Granted NASCAR is the highest-possible stage to compete on in America, she'll have higher expectations in NASCAR since she's going to be in the spotlight with NASCAR's top stars. She'll have to endure long races in a closed-top, heavy race car capable of 200+ mph. Her toughest challenge would be the Coca-Cola 600 where it's a race that I call NASCAR's version of Le Mans in terms of a very long race.

There are good and bad with this deal. Good is that she knows many of the tracks by now. Bad is that she'll have to adjust to a new set of faces and such. I mean no disrespect, but I don't want her in the middle of some NASCAR argument by whiny NASCAR fans who make NASCAR look more aggressive and debatable of a motorsport than any other. Take recently when Jeff Gordon pounded on Matt Kenseth to win at the Chicagoland Speedway. People complained that J. Gordon intentionally did that and shown no remorse. Yet if this was Kurt Busch or Tony Stewart doing it, that it would be no problem or not as big of a problem. Do you know who's my favorite controversial racer? Paul Tracy in Champ Car. He can be pushy on the track, but he's not whining or always in hot water with fans. I just don't want to see Danica get roasted or grilled by the NASCAR media if indeed she's a NASCAR star. But then, that's like saying that I don't want to see a American solider get killed in the line of duty. It will be something she'll have to deal with and hope she doesn't get overshadowed or always on the outside looking in. Last note- J. Gordon didn't mean to spin him out much like Dale Earnhardt Sr. didn't mean to spin out Terry LaBonte at Bristol's night race back in 1999. You all talk about racing incidents? Well, the Chicagoland event was just that.

Did you notice that I haven't stated whether or not I think Danica should go to NASCAR? That's because I'm actually torn by it. I think she's made her case in IndyCar racing, but I don't think she's done or that the novelty worn off because Marco Andretti's getting all the attention. I think she still needs to give IndyCar fans what they want to see- Danica in victory lane. Think about NASCAR some other time. Prove yourself a little more in IndyCar rather than have to take on discriminating NASCAR mainstreamers. I'm 55% more on Danica staying in IndyCar than going to NASCAR.
 
I think with her going to NASCAR we will really be able to see her skill. Her weight advantage would be gone. I like the idea.

m.piedgros
 
You would think it would make sense for Danica to go to NASCAR. She would easily rival Dale Jr. in terms of popularity, and given that NASCAR is a sport that has a strong female fanbase, she could be the start of women racing in NASCAR full-time as well.

I'd like to see it happen, but if it doesn't I'm not going to be upset. She should do what she wants to do, and by all means, go for F1 if she feels like it!
 
Her endurance is REALLY going to be in check. Danica is a yoga girl. I don't know if yoga's going to keep her in check for this series. Danica is probably better off in something like this than with NASCAR. She would probably also want to look into Rolex Sports Cars or the American Le Mans Series. She has at least one start in both aforementioned series. It would be a good fit since she was part of Toyota Atlantic, which is mostly a road racing series. I think her best road race finish is 8th after Eddie Cheever Jr. knocked her off at Watkins Glen, only to come back on the lead lap. Still impressive. Imagine if Danica went to Rolex Sports Cars and either raced for the Suntrust team or the Citgo team (there's only one DP girl- Milka Duno. Imagine two running full-time). Or perhaps imagine Danica racing for the Corvettes in the ALMS (I'm sorry. I still like the C5-Rs better, especially the black and silver ones back in 1999. Just get rid of the retractable headlights). Or wouldn't it be interesting if she was a team member for Audi? I think she can still be a competitive person without really looking to NASCAR. I'm sick of NASCAR, but I don't hate it. Only other NASCAR lady I can recall is Leilani Münter. Sarah Fisher, last I heard, was part of NASCAR's West series. Erin Crocker is a considerably good ARCA competitor and looking for her first win. And if Danica Patrick jumpshifts to NASCAR, wouldn't that be something? First Juan Pablo Montoya's inked for a Ganassi ride, then imagine Danica Patrick in the series. The 2007 season would certainly be one to watch. It may even give NASCAR skeptists at least some incentive to watch. People may also get to see Danica Patrick being emblazoned all over Speed Channel with all 20-something NASCAR shows on the channel.

Let's do percentages. Out of 100%, (1a) what are the chances that Danica Patrick will actually jump to NASCAR? (1b) If so, what are the chances that she'll finish 20th or higher in the final points? (1c) Or what are the chances that Danica Patrick makes the Chase for the Cup, granted she goes to Nextel Cup? (2) What are the chances that Danica stays in the IndyCar Series? (3) What are the chances that Danica will find a series to shine in other than the IRL or NASCAR? For example, what if she goes to Champ Car to challenge Katherine Legge?

Go ahead, boys and girls.
 
1a: I'd say about 50% chance. Depends on what her current team is willing to give her, and what any other NASCAR team could offer her as well.

1b: Depending on the team she goes with in NASCAR, I'd say the chances would be quite high. Geting into a Rousch, DEI, Hendrick, etc type car puts her in a category where the only limitation is what she can do on an oval track. If she were to say go with Rousch, I'd peg it around 80% chance in the top 20 in her first season.

1c: Being that a Chase for the Cup slot is greatly dependant on consistancy, I won't happen in the first season, or atleast, I doubt it happening in the first season. Given some time at the wheel, she could become a serious contender...

2) Obviously I'm passing here...

3) To see Danica go to a completely different racing series seems unlikely. The IRL or NASCAR choises seem like the most realistic, but then again I suppose a CHAMP entry isn't that far out either.
 
Danica said she wanted to stay with the IndyCar Series. Only real hardware she has is Rookie of the Year honors from last year. I respect Mrs. Patrick and never really wanted her to be in NASCAR. Maybe the best move she could pull off to get a ride in Champ Car. ESPN show, "Pardon the Interruption," featured this bit of news. Here is sort of a transcript of this based on my recording of this "Mail Time" segment. Here is what was discussed:

---LEGEND---
MW: Michael Wilbon
DLB: Dan LeBatard, Miami Herald; filled in for normal co-host Tony Kornheiser

E-Mail: "Danica Patrick now says she is staying in the IRL and wants to win there before switching to NASCAR. Is that a right move?"

DLB: "There you go. She's taking the [Michael] Wilbon advice. You say she gotta hold... gotta hold up a trophy in your sport before it is you move up to the big league series. I don't think it's the right sport... uh, right move for her. I mean, what's the lifespan on her? It's a risky move because if all of a sudden she doesn't win... doesn't keep not winning, then all of a sudden, her value is going to..."

MW: "...but also, look. Letterman-Rahal has money. Pay Danica. She's making them a lot of money because I don't care if she won or not; she's the biggest thing (DLB interrupts Wilbon: "she's the only reason to pay attention to that")most people understand or identify with in open-wheel racing."

DLB: "But this is just business, right? This is just her dad (see next line as MW interrupts DLB) negotiated..."

MW (during DLB's quote above): "Well, her father might have gone a bit far. We've seen that, haven't we? The fathers of women who compete going a little bit too far, but her father was actually in her best interests."

DLB: "...and it was a good move. Good move. Create options. Create buzz."

MW: "...especially as she ??? and you, are aren't into racing. And since you aren't into racing, I'll let you read the last one."

-end


And here's my analysis to all of this. Agree or disagree per your request:

I said that Danica needs to establish herself a bit more. At this rate, she's nowhere near title contention since it's Penske vs. Ganassi for the most part. Andretti-Green and Rahal-Letterman aren't even knocking on the door or at least outside-looking-in. Katherine Legge established herself pretty damn well in Toyota Atlantic, winning about three or so events. Now's she's considerably a nice talent in Champ Car racing for PKV. I still think Danica can only get better as long as she keeps running competitively. Her stock will keep rising even though she's been struggling as of late going from the Panoz to the Dallara. I still have faith in Danica Patrick even if the rest of America thinks she's overrated hype. Okay. She's not going to win the championship. Top 5 in the championship is maybe out of reach for her. She needs to BRING IT and is trying to. But her highest finish is 4th. Highest-ever finish by a lady is maybe Sarah Fisher who played 2nd at Homestead about three or four years ago. I had my faith in S. Fisher when she was in the series. Now it's been turned to Danica Patrick.

More power to Danica Patrick wherever she goes.
 
The latest edition of ESPN show, "Pardon the Interruption" featured Danica Patrick with comments on NASCAR. Unlike my last entry, I'm going to use some indirect quotes and provide my own synopsis of what she has told the PTI co-hosts. The usual co-hosts are Tony Kornheiser (future Monday Night Football commentator) and Michael Wilbon, but the guest hosts filling in are Dan LeBatard of the Miami Herald, and Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star. All or most quotes in this report are indirect quotes. Here is my summary:



-
ESPN Show: "Pardon the Interruption" and its "Five Good Minutes" Segment; July 20, 2006

(indirect intro by Dan LeBatard) "Danica Patrick is coming off of her best finish this season (4th at Nashville). We welcome her to the show."

* You seem to do better when hassled by the media. Better when harassed by media? -Dan LeBatard (indirect quote)
A: "Ab-so-lute-ly. Don't understand it, but I've done better when nervous. When I'm the most nervous, I perform better even with many people watching. It isn't very comfortable being in this position."

* Over the course of the past few weeks, we've heard you about moving to NASCAR, and perhaps moving to Andretti-Green Racing. Do you think you'll end up with Andretti-Green Racing?" -Jason Whitlock (indirect quote)
A: "It's only speculation at this point in time. Nothing's certain until there's an announcement. Whatever happens is between the specific race teams and not me. Whomever makes the call, so be it."

* "If you had a choice, would you stay with the IRL or go to NASCAR?" -Jason Whitlock (indirect quote)
A: "This is what I've been telling everyone. My goals have not changed since being part of the IndyCar Series. I want to win and help the series. That hasn't changed. If I'm given the chance to compete for an IRL team, that's where I'm going to stay. I love open-wheel racing."

* "What is/are the most tempting aspect(s) of NASCAR to you?" -Dan LeBatard (indirect quote)
A: "Most tempting? Um... I'm sure there are a lot of things I don't know NASCAR. It's very exciting- lots of people. I like that; I like the hype. And if I do better under pressure, then that's where I need to go (light laugh) because there is a whole lot of attention. It would be silly to think there's not more money in NASCAR. Endorsements would be huge.. I'd be lying if I didn't say money was part of the thought process."

* "Danica, If I were Danica Patrick, I'd be tired of all the weight of responsibility I'm carrying in the IRL. Should this be more than enough reason to perhaps consider switching to NASCAR?" -Jason Whitlock (indirect quote)
A: "Uh, if I let it go, then there would be little to discuss about me. I would be lying if I told you I didn't enjoy this. I have fun with this, actually. I enjoy talking with the media. It isn't a reason to want to switch to NASCAR."

* "(a) How has Tony George (IRL founder and president) been involved in the IRL? (b)Is he not aware that the series falls apart without you?" -Jason Whitlock (indirect quote)
A: (a) Not at all. (B) (said nothing)

* "Before we let you go, last one. Last week, Ed Carpenter made a joke about you on being a more ornery driver. Didn't you want to punch him in the larynx?" -Dan LeBatard (indirect quote)
A: (said nothing, then laughed)

-end



Now here's my added views on this.

People simply think Danica Patrick is all hype wherever she goes. Hell, she can race for Scuderia Ferrari or Audi Sport North America and still get as much of a bad vibe by certain discriminating race fans. I say that I love Danica Patrick simply because she is a great driver and really earned my respect. For her to win would be one of those great stories because as much attention as she's getting in the media, she'll have something to earn for it. Let's delve into this a bit further. Let's say she was leading a race past halfway. If she hangs on for the win, it would be an exceptional thing because she smoked about 18 or 19 other drivers. But let's say she's leading a race in the late stages, but the race was stopped via caution or rain delay (granted the event is on an oval). Would she still get great winning credit, or is she going to get credit only because she led at the time of a rained-out or race ending under caution? Believe me when I say that I've heard comments and read online forums regarding Danica Patrick. I've heard everything from ABC being called "ADC" (All Danica Channel), to some WindTunnel comment about Danica going to NASCAR with a slow car so she can block all day (in regards to the Nashville race)... I've heard it all and I'm sick of it. You know why? Her highest finish of fourth three times is pretty impressive. She's making Top 10s, Top 5s, and really done her best. She's the 2005 Rookie of the Year for God's sake! I admire her, I respect her... there's very little to say she's all hype or a horrible racer. Maybe she does want the attention. Maybe she wants it so that when she does win a race, she'll be featured in the media to actually show America (and maybe the world too) that she is no loser. On the message board where I seen someone type up that ABC was "ADC" after last year's Indy 500, I quoted: "I didn't know we have so many male chauvanistic race fans." Then the thread got closed. Her motive for a potential NASCAR deal would involve money and attention. She clearly claims to love open-wheel racing, and that her dream racing series would be Formula One (imagine if Scott Speed and Danica Patrick represented America in F1 racing). Maybe the next best thing would be the A1GP in racing for America. I think she has a lot of oppurtunity even if people have nothing better to do but rip her first chance they get. When she wins, maybe a lot of the mainstreamers will quiet down. But even then, she is still the public face of the IndyCar Series much like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and company have been the recent faces of NASCAR. Danica Patrick has put the IRL into perspective even without a win to her credit. I see her as an underdog with plenty of potential. I'd like to think of her as Chaminade trying to take down Virginia back in the early 1980s. And what happened, college basketball fans? Chaminade beat #1 Virginia in the Maui Invitational back in the 1980s. Danica Patrick has that winning potential, and it would be a WONDERFUL way to cash in her efforts and determination if she can win this weekend in the state she was born- Wisconsin. She was born in Beloit, WI, USA. The next race in the IRL series is at the Milwaukee Mile. Last year, Danica Patrick had a horrible 19th Place finish after being taken out during the race.

I will stand behind Danica. Only thing she hasn't done since the last female racer was place 2nd or higher. Sarah Fisher's highest finish was 2nd. Imagine if Danica could do what Fisher couldn't- win. I'll support her because she's quality talent. How else can I put it? Give her a chance. I haven't given up on her. So if you can, Danica... let everybody know what time it is.
 
Is this only Danica's second year in Indy? I think that she should stay for at least another one or two seasons! At least until she wins the championship anyway, fingers crossed! That would be awesome to see! But if not the Championship, at least a few race wins! Team her up with Dixon :D
 
My co-workers and I were discussing this earlier today, and we pretty much came to an agreement that if Danica could find herself a good team, she could bring a lot of people to NASCAR. Given that NASCAR is allready a sport popular with women, Danica's move would only do more to increase their interest in the sport, and I'm sure it would bring quite a few curious people as well, wondering if a girl could finially win a NASCAR race.

Take a moment however to think of the ultimate way things could get done:

...Danica goes to DEI, racing alongside Jr. Not only would the two most powerful forces in North American racing be together, but it would give Danica a winning shot at most tracks, and plenty of wiggle room in the company to have a good team given the ammount of money that she would bring in.

Speaking of money, I cannot fathom how much money could be made off of her move. I assume that the top teams (Rousch, DEI, Penske, Hendrick) would easily make room for a driver such as her given not only her talent, but the ammount of money that could be made on merchandising and the battle for companies to sponsor her car.

...It may or may not happen, but if it did, my God would she be a cash-cow wherever she went...
 
I can see WHY you want Danica to team up with Scott Dixon... you're from way down in Wellington, New Zealand. You're a Kiwi? Rahal-Letterman is a solid team even if they aren't Penske or Ganassi. Hell, Danica can go to Andretti-Green and still be the shining starlet she is. There was even talk that she could be teammates with Marco Andretti at Sebring. I don't know if this means the Champ Cars or the ALMS. The mention of the ALMS comes from this new deal for the debutantes, Acura into the LMP2 ranks. If all goes well, Danica may be on pace to be one of the next best LMP racers since Milka Duno back in 2001 or Liz Halliday right now. It would also make two American ladies in the ALMS both racing in the same class. Or can you imagine Danica and Liz making an all-fairer sex tandem? The ultimate bit of girl power is if Danica Patrick, Liz Halliday, and (this is a long shot, I know) if Milka Duno returned to the ALMS to be one three-driver team.

The Milwaukee race is this weekend. Would be interesting to see if Danica can stay on a consistent path.
 
JohnBM01
I can see WHY you want Danica to team up with Scott Dixon... you're from way down in Wellington, New Zealand. You're a Kiwi?
Click to expand...

Aha, that was a good guess :D Dixon isn't doing to bad this year! I hope he makes it in to F1 one day!

But what would be wrong with them teaming up though?
 
Danica Patrick tied her best finish yet again at Milwaukee. I'm just waiting for some jackass to say that that's all she's good for- missing the podium. So Marco Andretti is still the best youngster in the business (when does he turn 20, by the way?). It doesn't mean that many people haven't gotten off of Danica. I thought it was pretty impressive of Danica to go from being one lap down to being back on the lead lap to eventually finish 4th. Then again, I didn't REALLY know what happened because I was watching the ALMS Grand Prix of Portland. I was multitasking. Don't really know how Danica did it, but she did it.

I love and respect Danica's talent. I just hope she can do 1-3 positions better. I don't know... just has yet to EXPLODE onto the scene. She's shown to be a consistent racer despite the fact she has some down times on the track. Danica has to keep performing and put her car high up into the standings. Maybe she's getting the hang of her Dallara at long last. Question is, can she get her first podium after a number of Top 10 and Top 5 finishes? Next for the IndyCar Series is Brooklyn. Brooklyn, Michigan, that is. The Michigan International Speedway. The track that NASCAR shown us in an effort to shy us away from coverage of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I guess I hark back to how (then) CART used to have some memorable racing at Michigan. I can still recall when Max Papis was going to win the race in 1999... all to run out of fuel. He was crying on his radio as Michael Andretti won with a resurgent Juan Pablo Montoya pursued him. IRL cars are still pretty fast and competitive. Danica Patrick moved up to ninth place in the championship with this 4th Place victory. Unfortunately, I don't think she'll win the championship even if she won every race between now and the season finale.

Good work, Danica. Now shut up the haters by going higher than fourth. Fourth is still a great result for ANY racer, but you know how people are going to be about those who can't seem to win or has had futility in winning (look at Dale Earnhardt Jr. right now). Get it done, Danica. Michigan's next.
 
I don't have much to say but this: next season is going to be pretty interesting. It isn't like Andretti-Green needs a boost, but I think she may knock down some wins for these boys. If Danica doesn't win this year, what are the chances (out of 100%) of Danica getting her first win under Andretti-Green?
 
Her chances at Andretti-Green? Better than Rahal-Lettermen. Not to take anything away from that team, but look at how the IRL season has been going... Overall however what chances does she have at a win? Well, unless weight rules are changed in the series, she should have a good shot. A car that ways 60 lbs (at least) less than the average SHOULD be fastest, especially in the all-out speed contests like at Texas. In terms of her CHANCE for a win at Andretti-Green, probably 100%. However what are the realisic chances SHE can actully get a win 70%.

m.piedgros
 
You know, I'll put my chances at 85% on one condition. Danica Patrick isn't going to win every race next year (hardly anyone does in the IRL). She's going to be part of a huge team and will have to deliver under this team. I have no fear that she'll flounder in the AGR camp. You know I support Danica Patrick with just about any decision she makes. To make a bold prediction, no less than one win and no more than 3. She may finish high in the Top Ten and kind of low in the Top 5. Andretti-Green established itself pretty well in its first year behind the management of future Hall of Fame racer (I can't wait for this to happen) Michael Andretti. Like I say with most good drivers, "if he's/she's not in the hall of fame yet, he/she should be!" Perhaps Danica could make up for Indy 500 2005 and place three positions higher. She'll be the only lady to have her face on the Indy trophy. I hope she's not lactose intolerant if she sips the milk for winning the Indy 500. Yeah. I think Danica's going to do VERY well with Andretti-Green.

What percent do you give Danica Patrick that she wins with Andretti-Green next season, granted she doesn't win for Rahal-Letterman this season?

Also, what are the chances... (out of 100%) (1) ...do you think that Danica Patrick will win ANY of the remaining races in the 2006 season? (2) ...will Danica place higher than 4th for any race remaining this season?
 
I don't think she has a greater than 10% chance in either of those questions. With Penske and Ganassi so dominant at the current time, not even AGR is making a worthwhile impression on the series.

I wonder how good Danica really is. She seems to be thereabouts in terms of pace, but her current performance (her plus the car and the team) simply is not at the top level of IRL at the minute. I would not back her in a straight fight against Dixon or Wheldon or Castroneves or Hornish. She's just too anonymous in races, and I wonder if she's running at the top of her game, but that the top of her game is not really the same game that the others are playing.

I think that Danica's move to AGR is a good one for her strategically. She'll be a little fish in a big pond, but we should see whether she really does have what it takes to be a winner.
 
Danica Patrick suffered some problems with about two laps to go, and she suffered a horrible 17th place finish. I'm sure all the haters loved to see her go out of the race. She was very upset that she couldn't solidly finish her entry. She basically snapped by throwing her helmet to the ground and stomping on the race track. Now, she was upset. She didn't pull any Tony Stewart stuff or flip off other drivers. It was a terrible break for the #16 Argent Mortgage Dallara driver.

The next race is in two weeks time as the IRL heads to Kentucky. Or as some people call it, "Fontucky." Hopefully her luck will improve. She moved from ninth in the standings to tenth after this late DNF.
 

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