Danica Patrick pondering a switch to NASCAR?
Quote selected text Published April 27th, 2008 in NASCAR News
Danica Patrick’s visit to the Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway two weeks ago was more about seeing friends than putting out feelers.
But aside from renewing ties with former Indy Racing League peers Dario Franchitti and Sam Hornish Jr., Patrick’s Phoenix appearance as a guest of Roush Fenway Racing also could mark a step toward establishing new relationships in stock-car racing — perhaps with Jack Roush, who admitted officials from his powerhouse Cup team spoke to Patrick at Phoenix.
NASCAR still remains a possibility for Patrick in the wake of becoming the first woman to win a major-league open-wheel event.
“The door has never been shut,” she said Friday at Kansas Speedway. “I’ve learned too well over the last six to eight years, you can’t say anything is a never. Saying never is a very strong word, and if you do enough interviews and say that word, it really lives.”
Patrick, 26, had a brief flirtation with leaving Indy cars to race NASCAR in the summer of 2006 while in the final season of her contract with Rahal Letterman Racing. She signed with Andretti Green Racing for the 2007 season in a multiyear deal whose terms weren’t disclosed.
But SPEEDTV.com reported that Patrick’s primary sponsor, Motorola, signed a contract for 2007-09, and driver contracts often run concurrently with their sponsors. That could put the IRL’s most popular star up for bidding again in 2010, and Patrick won’t rule out considering NASCAR again.
“Yes, I’m knee deep in Indy car,” she said. “But when your contract time comes, anyone would be foolish not to explore options that are relevant. You have to go where you feel you have the best chance to win and the most opportunities and where you feel your heart is.”
Patrick’s heart currently is firmly in the IRL, where she’s been the face of the series for three years since becoming the first female driver to lead the Indianapolis 500 in 2005.
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She will not leave the IRL until she wins Indy.
*yawn*
She’s mediocre at best in IRL. But let her come to NASCAR. They always need someone to fill a seat over at BAM. BAM already has experience with overhyped, undertalented female drivers.
Before all of you start foaming at the mouth, I am not basing female drivers. Everyone seems to focus on the minority status and pay too much attention on other features (like beauty - *cough* swimsuit edition *cough*) and ignore the fact that their isn’t that much talent.
Even Bill Lester commented the only reason anyone in the media wanted to talk with him was the fact he was black.
Danica Patrick = latest flash in the pan
I would love to see DP in NASCAR! She is so hot!!
And on lap 156 she is out of the Indy race because the studs sheared off of the hub.
It would be definately a great MIX to the all male population of NASCAR☺☺☺
i think it would be great , i would love to take pictures of something other than scruffy faces all weekend
Howie motorsports photography wrote:
Is your work published?
Sam wrote:
all of my work and my associates work are shots used in corporate magazines, fan club cards, and media guides.
Sam wrote:
my work is all for the media and corporate sponsors and teams
Was that your work on the bubblegum pack of NASCAR stars I saw at the grocery store last week. LOL
Sweet job you got “Howie”
Danica is in the right place for now. She has worked hard to make a name and gain respect from the all boys club. Why give that up now when she is is just ready to reap the rewards of all her efforts in open wheel.
Marty wrote:
I couldnt agree more…..
Danica and Jr would make a great team, they both get more press than they deserve, maybe she should be talking with Hendrick.
Danica? What the hell ever happened to Sarah Fisher? (lol) You guys are right by saying she’s the flavor of the month. The other day someone said Roush only sees dollar signs. I have to agree with that, too. Let her earn her way into NASCAR. The unearned seats are already taken.
Fisha695 wrote:
never happen!
Danica Earnhardt Jr…..Over hyped, over commercialized….
Guest wrote:
My girlfriend said that would be a hot and very “rich” couple.
Danica is third in points. IRL points!
Jim B wrote:
That’s because they’ve earned it, I am sure you would love the publicity if you were in their shoes☺☺☺
gigolo george wrote:
I wouldn’t mind seeing what flavor she tastes like, LOL……☺☺☺
To Danica Patrick: ♥♥♥♥
Guest wrote:
NOPE EARNED NOT OVER COMMERCIALIZED!!!
JAG wrote:
EARNHARDT JR CANNOT HELP HE CAN SELL MORE MERCHANDISE THAN OTHER DRIVERS!!!