She is one of the most popular female athletes in the world despite her lack of success. Danica Patrick officially announced Thursday that she is leaving IndyCar and moving to NASCAR beginning in 2012.
“We can finally put the rumors to rest — I am going full-time NASCAR with Go Daddy next year,” Danica said at a news conference in Phoenix. I am going to race a full Nationwide schedule and limited Sprint Cup schedule in my GoDaddy.com Chevrolet next season.”
Danica jumps to NASCAR full-time beginning in 2012.
Danica has flirted with NASCAR, racing in a few Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races, never doing anything too spectacular. Beginning next season, she will leave Andretti Autosport and join JR Motorsports for her Nationwide races, owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. She will run a predominantly Nationwide car and will make a “8 to 10” Sprint Cut series appearances with Stewart-Haas Racing.
Danica made her debut in the IndyCar series in 2005 but she has just one victory. The thing is, her influence is everywhere and she is one of the most highly sought after drivers in the series.
Every year at the Indianapolis 500 for example, her merchandise trailer is constantly busy, more than any other. Whenever out of the car, fans (especially guys) are snapping pictures trying to catch Patrick in action. She’s hot, she’s glamorous, but boy she’s needy.
Her appearances and autograph signing are only done while the cameras are on. She immediately shines on the camera and people love her, although her popularity has gone down over the years.
Don’t think for one second IndyCar was begging for her to return. NASCAR already beats open-wheel racing on television ratings and her jump will advance the separation. NASCAR is primarily on ESPN while IndyCar’s home is Versus (now NBC Sports).
IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard admitted that she will be missed but the series appreciated what she did for the sport.
“Danica attracted a fan base that every athlete and sports property in the world would love to have,” Bernard said in a statement. “We should give her a great farewell the rest of this season as she opens a new page in her career and wish her continued success with her new direction. ”
We know she has sex appeal, demonstrated by her GoDaddy commercials, but it’s going to take some success to advance Danica’s credibility. She already has served as a great figure for girls to look up to. But the driver of the No. 7 car is competing in a sport dominated by men, and she is the only female ever win an IndyCar race. But just one, and some would argue it was a fluke.
Danica Patrick clearly has the passion and skills for the sport but she hasn’t been able to finish strong. Ironically, now two of the most popular NASCAR drivers are on the same team, and they both are rarely in victory lane.
IndyCar will feel this loss for awhile. They were at least hoping that she would make an appearance in the Indianapolis 500 but one source says that’s not happening at least next year.
The IndyCar series is looking for any kind of publicity. And lately, the only widespread coverage are the off-the-track incidents with drivers, like Will Power giving Randy Berard the finger after a recent call.
Don’t underestimate the impact of losing Danica. IndyCar doesn’t like to admit it, but it’s kind of a big deal.
cracks in foundation…
Though not a winner, Danicas loss will be felt by IndyCar | Vigilant Sports…