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REPORT: Danica Patrick nixes talk of USF1 drive for 2010, but is pondering NASCAR
IndyCar starlet Danica Patrick has been rumored to be pondering a switch to Formula One even before talk of a USF1 grand prix team first surfaced many months ago. However, the 27-year-old has had opportunities to test cars from the series in the past, but she may not be interested, as she turned down the chance to demonstrate an F1 car at Indianapolis back in 2005, and she apparently didn't reply to a drive invitation extended by Honda chief Nick Fry last year.
A new interview with The Los Angeles Times quotes Patrick as saying that she's never been approached by USF1 team principals Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor, who are reportedly keen on having American drivers to go along with their U.S. made cars. Further, she seems more intrigued by the idea of switching over to the heavier, lower-tech full-bodied racers of NASCAR than she is in racing in the global open-wheel series. Some have suggested that Patrick might have difficulty adjusting to the series' vehicles as well as the demanding length of the season, but the star says she has the stuff to make a go of it:
"Of course I do, because I believe in my ability. Any time I've been tested and put in a car, in something I've never driven before. . . . I've always done really well. It's going to take some getting used to. But I can't make everyone think I'm a good driver."Interestingly, Patrick has long been noted for her headstrong personality, but she says she would consider taking the advice of others and enter into NASCAR via one of its secondary series instead of jumping headlong into the top-draw Nextel Cup:
"At some point you have to stop being naive and stop being stubborn and listen to people, so if that's the route I go, I would be open to doing some lower-formula stuff. I would take that advice."In any case, Patrick clearly has yet to make up her mind. What do you think – will she jump ship to NASCAR? And if so, will that be a good move for her? Drop us a line in 'Comments.' Thanks for the tip, Eric!
[Source: The Los Angeles Times | Image: Chris McGrath/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
jason 1:02PM (7/20/2009)
If she can only win 1 race in what 4 seasons what makes her think she can race in Nascar. Out of all the open wheel racers that went to Nascar only Tony Stewart has made an impact.
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Eric 2:37PM (7/20/2009)
Woot my tip worked.
Ray 5:33PM (7/20/2009)
And you've won how many.......? Yeah. Didn't think so. She's not great, but I'd love to be have the opportunity she does. But she'd better stay away from NASCAR. That series blows.
tankd0g 6:38PM (7/20/2009)
In nascar you can ride out your whole career in the middle of the pack and escape criticism. I think she'll love it.
TigerMil 7:54PM (7/20/2009)
She's getting a little long in the tooth to be a starlet...she ought to do well in NASCAR.
Josh 2:46PM (7/20/2009)
Good she's going where the money is, where she'll be a celebrity driver, and she won't have to perform.
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wood 1:15PM (7/20/2009)
Why can't you do both? If Mark Martin can grab checkered flags semi-retired, there's no reason you can't be competitive in a one of feeder series to cup cars while continuing to race in IndyCar.
If it were me I'd be more interested in trying to get an F1 ride...
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BrianFL 1:15PM (7/20/2009)
Dear Rick Hendrick,
Drop Dale Jr while your ahead. Give this driver a chance. I'm sure she will bring in just as much sponsership and popularity money as Dale.
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BrianFL 1:18PM (7/20/2009)
I know alot of F1 fans don't like Nascar but it is the sport to be in here in the US. She is better off in Nascar.
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drcruelty 1:19PM (7/20/2009)
She was doing the same thing last contract time. I'm pretty sure it's just her way to squeeze out the most $. Even if she did actually go to NASCAR, I don't think she would last very long.
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Brad 4:10PM (7/20/2009)
That's all it is. She is just posturing for a new contract with Gnassi or whoever it will be. She knows that if she gets word out there that she might be looking at NASCAR then the powers that be at IRL will get on whoever she is talking to in order to keep her there.
hashiryu 1:25PM (7/20/2009)
Can't make the grade in F1.
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cFoo 2:09PM (7/20/2009)
why not? if she drives her pants off in F1 she'll win. You just need to know how to satisfy Max Mosley.
skeptic 2:23PM (7/20/2009)
If she drives her pants off, we'll ALL win!
Protzenegger 2:32PM (7/20/2009)
@ skeptic - that just made my day.
jgp 3:50PM (7/20/2009)
In order to satisfy Oswald Mosley's son, you must wear nothing except a black armband with a swastika on it.
sparrk 4:35PM (7/20/2009)
would be nice for USF1 if she drives for them, they won't run for the championship the first season anyway.
jim 1:29PM (7/20/2009)
Moving to NASCAR at the time when it is possibly tanking isn't the best career move. Nor would going to the terminally messed up F1 be. Given the uncertainty in racing, Indy Car is as a good a place as any to be.
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ale 2:07PM (7/20/2009)
especially when the IRL is on the verge of disappearing, little money, and reducing interest
mundotaku 1:29PM (7/20/2009)
Is not for being a machist, but I hope she doesn't get hire. She is like Juan Pablo Montoya but with boobs and no talent.
She would be better in Nascar.
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