Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/officially-official-danica-patrick-joining-nascar-nationwide-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/officially-official-danica-patrick-joining-nascar-nationwide-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/officially-official-danica-patrick-joining-nascar-nationwide-se/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Danica Patrick No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The "Will she, won't she" debate is over - Danica Patrick is headed for closed-wheel racing in 2010. Patrick will race a partial schedule in next year's National Nationwide series in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, and she will also participate in one ARCA race. As a driver on the No. 7 team, she will be signed through 2011 to the JR Motorsports team that's owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Rick Hendrick, Kelley Earnhardt and Tony Eury, Jr. through 2011.

This bit of news is not to say that Danica is eschewing her open-wheel career - she will also continue to race her similarly day-glo green Andretti Autosport IndyCar, also in full GoDaddy.com regalia. The NASCAR events that she will race in will be interlaced with her IndyCar schedule, before, during, and after the open-wheel season.

Danica's first stock car race will be a February 6 ARCA race in Daytona, the day before the Super Bowl. As usual, her primary sponsors will feature Patrick in a slate of new commercials during the big NFL game, and we're willing to bet that they'll have a bit of NASCAR flavor. High-res gallery of her new ride below, official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Danica Patrick NASCAR


[Source: GoDaddy.com]

Continue reading Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010

Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARCADanicaDanica PatrickDanicaPatrickEarnhardtfemale racerFemaleRacerGo DaddyGoDaddyGodaddy.comhendrickhendrick motorsportsHendrickMotorsportsIndy carIndyCarNASCARnationwideNationwide seriesNationwideSeriesstock carstock car racingstock carsStockCarStockCarRacingStockCarsSuper BowlSuper bowl commercialsSuperBowlSuperBowlCommercialsTue, 08 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Danica Patrick to race NASCAR in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-danica-patrick-to-race-nascar-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-danica-patrick-to-race-nascar-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-danica-patrick-to-race-nascar-in-2010/#commentsFiled under:



More Danica Patrick news and this time, it's actually racing related. Last week came a report that Ms. Patrick had inked a multi-year deal with the recently restructured Andretti Autosport, putting to rest the rumors that the sometime-swimsuit model was headed to NASCAR. Well, Sporting News is now reporting that the gun might have been jumped on that conclusion. It seems that the GoDaddy pitchwoman is about to announce a deal to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s NASCAR Nationwide Series team in 2010.

SN is reporting that Danica will run the full IndyCar calendar and a limited Nationwide schedule, with GoDaddy sponsoring her stock car. According to the GoDaddy website, the formal announcement will come at 1 PM ET Tuesday, December 8. We'll be sure to watch for that announcement and update as needed.

[Source: Sporting News | Image Source: Streeter Lecka/Getty]

Continue reading REPORT: Danica Patrick to race NASCAR in 2010

REPORT: Danica Patrick to race NASCAR in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andretti autosportAndrettiAutosportDale EarnhardtDale Earnhardt Jr.DaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtJr.Danicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickgo daddyGoDaddyindycarindycar seriesIndycarSeriesnascarNASCAR NationwideNASCAR Nationwide SeriesNascarNationwideNascarNationwideSeriesMon, 07 Dec 2009 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica Patrick signs multi-year deal to stay in IRL with restructured Andretti Autosport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/danica-patrick-signs-multi-year-deal-to-stay-in-irl-with-restruc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/danica-patrick-signs-multi-year-deal-to-stay-in-irl-with-restruc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/danica-patrick-signs-multi-year-deal-to-stay-in-irl-with-restruc/#commentsFiled under: ,



There are plenty of reasons why Danica Patrick stays in the news. If it's not her famous temper, photo shoots for Sports Illustrated or racy television commercials, it's her impressive results on the race track. She is, after all, the first woman to win an Indy race and, after finishing third at the Brickyard this year, the most successful woman to race the Indy 500. But lately the news has centered over the future of her racing career.

Rumors first began to pop up that Danica could move on up to Formula One, initially linked with Honda and then with USF1 before Bernie Ecclestone put his foot in his mouth. Again. Most recently, however, Danica's been tipped to switch to NASCAR. But with the latest announcement, those rumors have been quashed. Well, sorta.

Announced live today in Times Square on ABC's Good Morning America, Danica has signed a "multi-year" deal (tipped to be three years) to stay in the IndyCar Series with Michael Andretti's team. The four-car squad is restructuring this year, with partners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree splitting off the race promotion arm (responsible for the races in St Petersburg and Toronto), while Michael Andretti stays on to manage the team that drops the Andretti Green Racing moniker in favor of Andretti Autosport. GoDaddy.com has signed on to continue its sponsorship of Danica's No. 7 car. Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti are locked into long-term deals for two of the other cars, while the fourth car is expected to go to former Rookie of the Year and race winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.

The announcement of Danica's extended contract would seem to put an end to the NASCAR rumors for at least the next three years, but reports still suggest that the talented Miss Patrick could run a parallel schedule in the second-tier Nationwide Series while contesting the full IndyCar calendar as well. Busy beaver indeed.

[Source: Andretti Autosport]

Continue reading Danica Patrick signs multi-year deal to stay in IRL with restructured Andretti Autosport

Danica Patrick signs multi-year deal to stay in IRL with restructured Andretti Autosport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrettiandretti autosportandretti green racingAndrettiAutosportAndrettiGreenRacingdanicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickindycar seriesIndycarSeriesirlmichael andrettiMichaelAndrettipatrickMon, 30 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ESPN: Danica Patrick close to two-year NASCAR Nationwide deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/espn-danica-patrick-close-to-two-year-nascar-nationwide-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/espn-danica-patrick-close-to-two-year-nascar-nationwide-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/espn-danica-patrick-close-to-two-year-nascar-nationwide-deal/#commentsFiled under: ,



Rumors of IndyCar's Danica Patrick dipping a toe into the stock car racing pool have been swirling for months, but a new report suggests that an end to the rumors is near. ESPN says that Patrick is on the verge of signing a NASCAR Nationwide Series contract with JR Motorsports, the operation owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Unnamed sources that spoke to ESPN call the talks "near their final phase" and comment that it'd be a "surprise if it didn't happen." In any case, don't expect a formal announcement until sometime after the Sprint Cup chase draws to a conclusion on November 22.

The potential move to JR Motorsports was made possible when driver Brad Keslowski jumped ship to join Roger Penske's NASCAR Sprint Cup team. According to ESPN, Patrick is angling to drive the number 7 car (the same number she runs in IndyCar), which would replace the current JR Motorsports number 5 car. Since Danica will continue to run the full IndyCar schedule as well, she'd be a part-time driver for JR Motorsports, sharing the race car with Junior and another unnamed driver. If the signing happens and NASCAR gives its blessing, Danica will make her first stock car appearance in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA race on Feb. 6 during the Daytona Speedweeks, and go on to drive in 12 to 13 Nationwide Series races during the 2010 season. Frankly, given NASCAR's feel for marketing and Danica's undeniable celebrity, we see no way that she won't be in place for a debut during the February Speedweeks, assuming she does indeed ink the rumored deal.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Robert Laberge/Getty]

ESPN: Danica Patrick close to two-year NASCAR Nationwide deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brad KeslowskiBradKeslowskidanicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickESPNIndy carIndyCarJr motorsportsjr motorsports ESPNJrMotorsportsJrMotorsportsEspnnascarnationwide seriesNationwideSeriesroger penskeRogerPenskesprint cupSprintCupThu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting: Part 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/introduction-to-karting-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/introduction-to-karting-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/introduction-to-karting-part-1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Autoblog goes karting part I: introduction
Introduction to Karting: Part 1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Michael Schumacher. Ayrton Senna. Jeff Gordon. Alex Zanardi. Danica Patrick. All great drivers and all learned their trade in buzzy little racing karts with no suspension, no downforce, minimal protection, and arguably more grins per dollar than any other motorsport in existence. The underpowered machines at the local putt-putt course give karting a bad reputation; a 2.5 horsepower motor in a 300-pound chassis rolling on ten-year-old tires is a $7.50 distraction for kids. But move up to a machine that can do 0-60 MPH in under four seconds, hit 125 MPH on the straight, pull 3 g on the skidpad, and do so for well under $10,000 -- that's serious.

Karting is the safest, cheapest and, arguably, best avenue into motorsports for those with the desire to compete, yet lacking the financial means to get into a top-tier series. Sadly, it's also a dizzying sea of classes, chassis, engines, tires, tracks, rules, and affiliations, some of which are tightly controlled by global organizing bodies. So finding the right way in and getting the most for your money can be tough. That's where we come in.

Autoblog is going karting, jumping in as rookies and making some rookie mistakes so you won't have to. We'll tell you where to start, how much you'll need to budget, where you can save some bucks, and where you should just take a deep breath and hand over the credit card. This is the first in a series, an introduction to the sport that will give you the basics of where to start looking. In subsequent pieces we'll cover driving lessons, go kart shopping, talk setup, and finally go racing. So, without further ado, let's get rolling.


Gallery: Famous karters

Michael SchumacherJeff GordonDanica PatrickAyrton SennaAlex Zanardi

Continue reading Introduction to Karting: Part 1

Introduction to Karting: Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardiAlexZanardiautoblog goes kartingAutoblogGoesKartingayrton sennaAyrtonSennadanica patrickDanicaPatrickfeaturedintroductiontokartingjeff gordonJeffGordonkartkart racingkartingKartRacingmichael schumacherMichaelSchumacheroval kartOvalKartshifter kartShifterKartsprint kartingSprintKartingsuperkartMon, 05 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Danica Patrick to drive NASCAR in 2010, remain with IndyCar Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/report-danica-patrick-to-drive-nascar-in-2010-remain-with-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/report-danica-patrick-to-drive-nascar-in-2010-remain-with-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/report-danica-patrick-to-drive-nascar-in-2010-remain-with-indy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Danica Patrick's SI Swimsuit Issue photo shoot - Click above for high-res image gallery

The rumors were apparently true. According to ESPN, IndyCar driver - and, without a doubt our favorite Go Daddy spokesmodel - Danica Patrick will "all but certainly" take part in NASCAR racing next year. It seems Patrick will be limiting her exposure to the Nationwide Series and Truck series and will continue to race the full IndyCar schedule for Andretti Green Racing.

If ESPN's sources are accurate, Danica will join Stewart Haas Racing and partner up with Tony Stewart, who will serve as her mentor in the sport. Stewart enjoyed a successful career in open wheel racing before switching to stock cars. As you might expect, the top female driver here in the States shouldn't have an issue with sponsorship money and the move could provide just the ratings boost NASCAR sorely needs.


Gallery: 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: Danica Patrick


[Source: ESPN]

REPORT: Danica Patrick to drive NASCAR in 2010, remain with IndyCar Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdanica patrick nascarDanicaPatrickDanicaPatrickNascarnascarstewart haas racingStewartHaasRacingtony stewartTonyStewartTue, 08 Sep 2009 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy to follow YouTube into USF1 sponsorship?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/09/best-buy-to-follow-youtube-into-usf1-sponsorship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/09/best-buy-to-follow-youtube-into-usf1-sponsorship/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/09/best-buy-to-follow-youtube-into-usf1-sponsorship/#commentsFiled under:

Preparations are well underway for the debut of the new USF1 team, which is set to join the Formula One grid next season. The car's been designed, the manufacturing facility is in the process of ramping up for production, and the team has staffed up. But while the nascent squad focuses on building the chassis and infrastructure, speculation has been running rampant over who will sponsor the team and who will be driving its two cars.

Previous reports indicated that YouTube could be on board, and now the latest suggest that Best Buy, which currently sponsors Elliott Sadler's #19 Dodge Charger for the Richard Petty team in NASCAR's Sprint Cup series, could be in the mix as well. The rumors are fueled by an entry which Barry Judge, the electronics retail giant's chief marketing officer, posted on Twitter asking the public-at-tweet what they thought of the idea of Best Buy - currently is in the midst of a European expansion - linking up with the team.

Continue reading Best Buy to follow YouTube into USF1 sponsorship?

Best Buy to follow YouTube into USF1 sponsorship? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex wurzAlexWurzandrettiandretti usf1AndrettiUsf1barry judgeBarryJudgebest buybest buy racingBestBuyBestBuyRacingbuddy riceBuddyRicedanicadanica patrickdanica usf1DanicaPatrickDanicaUsf1f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnejacques villeneuveJacquesVilleneuvejonathan summertonJonathanSummertonmarco andrettiMarcoAndrettipatrick usf1PatrickUsf1ricesummertonsummerton usf1SummertonUsf1united states formula 1united states formula oneUnitedStatesFormula1UnitedStatesFormulaOneus f1usf1villeneuvevilleneuve usf1VilleneuveUsf1wurzwurz usf1WurzUsf1youtubeyoutube usf1YoutubeUsf1Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Danica Patrick nixes talk of USF1 drive for 2010, but is pondering NASCAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-danica-patrick-nixes-talk-of-usf1-drive-for-2010-but-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-danica-patrick-nixes-talk-of-usf1-drive-for-2010-but-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-danica-patrick-nixes-talk-of-usf1-drive-for-2010-but-is/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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]

REPORT: Danica Patrick nixes talk of USF1 drive for 2010, but is pondering NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DanicaDanica F1Danica PatrickDanicaF1DanicaPatrickF1Formula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOneIndycarNASCARNextel cupNextelCupMon, 20 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica Patrick in trouble for remarks about doping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/danica-patrick-in-trouble-for-remarks-about-doping/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/danica-patrick-in-trouble-for-remarks-about-doping/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/danica-patrick-in-trouble-for-remarks-about-doping/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Danica Patrick's SI Swimsuit Issue photo shoot - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, racing superstar Danica Patrick got herself into a bit of hot water when the subject of performance-enhancing drugs came up. When asked if she would take illegal drugs if she would not get caught, she responded by saying "Well, then it's not cheating, is it? If nobody finds out?'' She also spoke of exploring gray areas to gain an edge on her opponents, saying "You're trying to find where the holes are in the rule book.'' That, apparently, wasn't the answer U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart was looking for.

Tygart called Patrick's comments "totally irresponsible," and that her statement flies in the face of what millions of parents teach their kids every day. Danica replied to the criticism she's received with a 'just kidding' defense, which doesn't seem to be getting herself off the hook. We get where Tygart is coming from, but that fact that he made such a big deal of her comments gave the story a whole lot more publicity than it has already gotten. Last we checked, Danica hasn't tested positive for banned substances. And judging from her swimsuit photos in SI and her GoDaddy commercials, Ms. Patrick appears to be toning up the old fashioned way.


Gallery: 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: Danica Patrick


[Source: Fan House | Images: SI.com]

Danica Patrick in trouble for remarks about doping originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickdopinggodaddyperformance enhancing drugsPerformanceEnhancingDrugssteroidsswim suitSwimSuitTravis TygartTravisTygartWed, 03 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: 2009 Indianapolis 500 race results]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/spoiler-alert-2009-indianapolis-500-race-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/spoiler-alert-2009-indianapolis-500-race-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/spoiler-alert-2009-indianapolis-500-race-results/#commentsFiled under:


2009 Indy 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

On Saturday we asked you in a poll if you care about the Indianapolis 500. The number one response with 40% of the vote was, "I never cared in the first place." Well, at least one of us here at Autoblog cared enough to watch the race on TV yesterday, but that couldn't stop long stretches of napping from eating up up dozens of laps at a time. A few interesting things happened while I was awake, including perennial Indy bridesmaid Tony Kannan crashing at the Brickyard for the third time in eight appearances. I was also awoken late in the race by another crash, this time between Vitor Meira and rookie Raphael Matos. The two collided on Turn 1 and Meira's car ended up sliding along the wall on its side. We later learned the veteran driver had broken two vertebrae in his back, while Matos escaped with just a bruised knee. This isn't NASCAR, though, and we're not supposed to watch for the crashes, so I downed some caffeine after that to stay alert until the race's conclusion. Read on after the jump to find out who won this year's running of the 2009 Indianapolis 500.


Gallery: 2009 Indianapolis 500

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2009 Indianapolis 500 race results

Spoiler Alert: 2009 Indianapolis 500 race results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica patrickDanicaPatrickfeaturedhelio castronevesHelioCastronevesindianapolis 500Indianapolis500indy 500Indy500Mon, 25 May 2009 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Go Daddy teases raciest-yet Danica Patrick ad for Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/video-godaddy-plans-raciest-yet-danica-patrick-ad-during-indy-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/video-godaddy-plans-raciest-yet-danica-patrick-ad-during-indy-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/video-godaddy-plans-raciest-yet-danica-patrick-ad-during-indy-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GoDaddy and Danica: Click above to view the commercial after the jump

Go Daddy commercials are well known for two things: 1) Having little to do with web hosting and domains, and 2) Making use of attractive women in suggestive situations. During the Super Bowl, Go Daddy threw racer Danica Patrick into a shower with a college German instructor. The two girls theme continues with a new spot that places Ms. Patrick in a vintage Ford Mustang convertible with a sultry female police officer that seems quite excited about web hosting.

To Go Daddy's credit, there is a lot more service selling in this 30 second spot, which predictably ends with a disrobing followed by an invitation to head over to GoDaddy.com to see what happens next. Go Daddy founder and CEO Bob Parsons called the teaser and full two minute web-only spot "the hottest commercial we've ever made." No arguments here. Hit the jump to view the 30-second teaser for yourself, followed by the Go Daddy press release detailing the airtime plans during this weekend's Indianapolis 500 race.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Go Daddy teases raciest-yet Danica Patrick ad for Indy 500

VIDEO: Go Daddy teases raciest-yet Danica Patrick ad for Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adBob ParsonsBobParsonscommercialDanicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickgo daddyGoDaddyIndianapolis 500Indianapolis500Indy 500Indy500Fri, 22 May 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica Patrick shills for milk with a wet upper lip]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/danica-patrick-shills-for-milk-with-a-wet-upper-lip/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/danica-patrick-shills-for-milk-with-a-wet-upper-lip/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/danica-patrick-shills-for-milk-with-a-wet-upper-lip/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Danica Patrick "Got Milk?" ad - Click above for high-res images

Got Milk? It's one of the most successful marketing campaigns of all time. IndyCar driver and femme fatale of the front straight, Danica Patrick, has signed on to shill for the bovine beverage in one of those very familiar advertisements that features popular athletes and celebrities with a wet upper lip. Nevermind the fact that milk only sticks to your lip like that if you've got the beginnings of a good mustache going on, or that what's on Danica's lip is probably a gooey special effects paste. If you sense some disdain in my voice, that's probably because I haven't had a glass of milk since 2000 when I read a book in college and the next day stopped eating animals and drinking their fluids. I haven't bought into the "does a body good" argument since a doctor once described the nutritional properties of milk to me as "liquid beef". That's why I always frown when I see another athlete or celebrity holding a glass of milk with a smile that looks like they've gulped a gallon of White Out.

The tagline in Danica's ad is "Refuel", because I guess the Milk Processors of America who pay for the ads would have us believe that Bessy's breast milk has the same restorative powers as Gatorade. The rest of the copy reminds you to eat right, exercise and drink milk, because you're going to be healthy anyway if you do the first two things, so what's a glass of milk going hurt?

NOTE: The hippy propaganda in this post does not represent the views of Autoblog, its parent company or the rest of the Autoblog editorial team who are all blood-dripping-from-the-teeth carnivores and no doubt pouring glasses of 2% right now just to taunt me.


Gallery: Danica Patrick "Got Milk?" ad


[Source: BodybyMilk.com]

Danica Patrick shills for milk with a wet upper lip originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica patrickdanica patrick milkDanicaPatrickDanicaPatrickMilkgot milkGotMilkmilk sucksMilkSucksFri, 08 May 2009 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica Patrick, Alan Mullaly make the 2009 TIME Top 100 list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/danica-patrick-alan-mullaly-make-the-2009-time-100/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/danica-patrick-alan-mullaly-make-the-2009-time-100/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/danica-patrick-alan-mullaly-make-the-2009-time-100/#commentsFiled under:



Every year, TIME magazine publishes its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The list is typically comprised of government leaders, business titans and high-profile celebrities, and this year's, which just hit the shelves, is no different. Among those included in the ranking for 2009 are Ford CEO Alan Mullaly and perennial IndyCar favorite Danica Patrick.

Lauding Mullaly for forgoing government handouts - a decision that has increased Ford's popularity - Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer highlights Mullaly's career in guiding Boeing Aerospace through the tumultuous post-9/11 period and ushering Ford into a new era. Danica Patrick, meanwhile, earned the citation for braking through the sound barrier glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race, earning the respect of her male colleagues in the process. London Mayor, part-time automotive journalist and all-around friend of the automobile and motorist Boris Johnson also made the list among the other decision-makers and opinion-shapers mentioned on the Time list. Follow the link to view the list in full.

[Source: TIME | Photo (left) by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty]

Danica Patrick, Alan Mullaly make the 2009 TIME Top 100 list originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 time 1002009Time100alan mullalyAlanMullalyboris johnsonBorisJohnsondanicadanica patrickDanicaPatrickford ceoford ceo alan mullalyFordCeoFordCeoAlanMullalyindyindycarinfluentialmayor boris johnsonMayorBorisJohnsonmost influentialMostInfluentialmullalypatricktimetime 100time 100 alan mullalytime 100 boris johnsontime 100 danica patricktime 100 most influentialtime magazineTime100Time100AlanMullalyTime100BorisJohnsonTime100DanicaPatrickTime100MostInfluentialTimeMagazineTue, 05 May 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Star-Spangled Line-Up: Danica Patrick linked to USF1 race seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/star-spangled-line-up-danica-patrick-linked-to-usf1-race-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/star-spangled-line-up-danica-patrick-linked-to-usf1-race-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/star-spangled-line-up-danica-patrick-linked-to-usf1-race-seat/#commentsFiled under: ,



Danica Patrick just might make it into Formula One after all. The sensational IndyCar driver/Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was previously linked to a potential seat with Honda's F1 team, but those prospects were all but completely dashed when the squad closed up shop. But now the people behind the upcoming USF1 team could give Danica the ticket she deserves.

According to USF1 technical director Ken Andserson, Danica is one of the star American drivers which the team would consider hiring when they hit the grid in 2010. Among the other possible candidates are Red Bull-backed Scott Speed, who switched over to NASCAR after leaving Scuderia Toro Rosso in F1, and budding American drivers Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden. Each F1 team fields two cars, so any of these drivers' chances are pretty good. Meanwhile, USF1 is considering renting space from Epsilon Euskadi, a team which currently races at Le Mans and in the World Series by Renault, and whose facility in Spain would prove a suitable European base for the American team. We'll know more about the initiative when USF1 is officially launched on February 24, so stay tuned. Shukran for the tip, Muhammed!

[Source: ESPN]

Star-Spangled Line-Up: Danica Patrick linked to USF1 race seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica f1danica patrickdanica patrick formula onedanica patrick usf1DanicaF1DanicaPatrickDanicaPatrickFormulaOneDanicaPatrickUsf1patrickusf1Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica Patrick returns to pages of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Yes, there's video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/danica-patrick-returns-to-pages-of-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/danica-patrick-returns-to-pages-of-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/danica-patrick-returns-to-pages-of-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-i/#commentsFiled under: ,

danica patrick
Click above for gallery of Danica Patrick in this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Danica Patrick may not be doing as well on the race track as she may like, but the fetching driver is definitely winning off the track. Ms. Patrick has an endorsement deal with Go Daddy, she made FHM's top 100 Sexiest Women list, and now she's added a second appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The newly appointed Queen of Speed is taking the annual bikini mag very seriously, too, and if she has her way, this won't be her last appearance in the swimsuit spectacular. She's working out every day to keep her body fit, and the evidence of that labor is very apparent in the video posted after the jump and the gallery below. We're certain we don't have to tell you that watching Danica and her little black bikini pose on the hood of a beautiful AC Cobra is worth your time. Thanks for the tip, Scot, S!

Gallery: 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: Danica Patrick


[Source: Sports Illustrated via Fanhouse]

Continue reading Danica Patrick returns to pages of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Yes, there's video

Danica Patrick returns to pages of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Yes, there's video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingDanica PatrickDanicaPatrickIRLsports illustratedSportsIllustratedswim suitSwimSuitWed, 11 Feb 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica washes up for Go Daddy Super Bowl ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/18/danica-washes-up-for-go-daddy-super-bowl-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/18/danica-washes-up-for-go-daddy-super-bowl-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/18/danica-washes-up-for-go-daddy-super-bowl-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch videos after the jump

For the past few Super Bowls, internet registrar GoDaddy.com has spent a sizable portion of its annual ad budget on one or two commercials. The tradition lives on for 2009's big game, and racing's most famous female driver is back with Go Daddy for another starring role. You may remember last year's "Exposure" spot was pulled by Fox due to excessive use of beavers (really), so Go Daddy implored the audience of 100 million to go to the website to see it online. This time, Danica has two commercials, which, keeping with tradition, feature plenty of cleavage and little reference to what Go Daddy actually does.

You can check out both spots after the jump. The first 30 second spot includes a naked Danica in the shower with an attractive German lady (we're not kidding). The second commercial features Ms. Patrick in a courtroom with several extremely busty women talking about "Enhancements." And of course, each commercial ends abruptly, prompting viewers to head over to GoDaddy.com to watch the "unrated" conclusion. Brilliant. Terrible scriptwriting, but brilliant.

[Source: Ad Rants]

Continue reading Danica washes up for Go Daddy Super Bowl ads

Danica washes up for Go Daddy Super Bowl ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica patrickDanicaPatrickgo daddyGoDaddysuper bowlSuperBowlSun, 18 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Raising Arizona: Danica gets another speeding ticket]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/raising-arizona-danica-gets-another-speeding-ticket/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/raising-arizona-danica-gets-another-speeding-ticket/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/raising-arizona-danica-gets-another-speeding-ticket/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Some people we'll just never understand. Like those who'll look at a high-performance sports car and ask, "But where are you going to drive it?" Or the cops in Scottsdale, Arizona, who have given a speeding ticket to Danica Patrick yet again.

Never mind that for many police officers, a pretty girl batting her eyes would be enough to, um, get off...with a warning. And Danica's a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, for crying out loud. But the IRL's perennial favorite driver, former rookie of the year, winner of the Japan 300 and potential future F1 pilot was only going 54 miles-per-hour. Granted, that it was in a 35 mph zone, but come on. Danica's used to going 200 with her silky hair on fire. The last time she got pulled over in Scottsdale (home to her sponsor GoDaddy.com), she was ticketed for going 57 in a 40 zone. We've heard it before, nobody's above the law, yadda yadda yadda.... but somehow, this just ain't right.

Gallery: CES 2008: Danica Patrick hearts Autoblog


Gallery: Danica Patrick wins Indy Japan 300


[Source: azcentral.com]

Raising Arizona: Danica gets another speeding ticket originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdanica patrick arizonadanica patrick scottsdaledanica patrick speeding ticketDanicaPatrickDanicaPatrickArizonaDanicaPatrickScottsdaleDanicaPatrickSpeedingTicketpatrickWed, 31 Dec 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Danica and Milka in trackside fight (towels were involved)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/video-danica-and-milka-in-trackside-cat-fight-towels-were-invo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/video-danica-and-milka-in-trackside-cat-fight-towels-were-invo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/video-danica-and-milka-in-trackside-cat-fight-towels-were-invo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

An altercation between the two admittedly attractive female drivers in the IndyCar Series has all the makings for a sensational headline, and in this case Danica Patrick and Milka Duno backed it up by tangling in the pits last Saturday after a practice session for the Honda Indy 200. Patrick, as she has done twice before, walked all the way to her competitor's pit stall to address a grievance. She simply asked Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's driver, who looked like she just stepped out of a salon, if she had seen her on the track. Apparently Patrick was miffed that Milka wasn't letting faster cars like her No. 7 Motorola Dallara Honda pass during practice. Milka was having none of it and twice threw a towel at Patrick while telling her to "go away". Such is a pretty normal day in the IndyCar Series with Danica Patrick on the prowl. For the record, neither lady performed particularly well in the actual race on Sunday, with Milka finishing 23rd out of 26 and Danica placing 12th. Check out video of these brunettes battling after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Art!

[Source: FOX Sports, Three Strikes and Out]

Continue reading VIDEO: Danica and Milka in trackside fight (towels were involved)

VIDEO: Danica and Milka in trackside fight (towels were involved) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica milkadanica milka fightdanica milka toweldanica patrickDanicaMilkaDanicaMilkaFightDanicaMilkaTowelDanicaPatrickmilka dunoMilkaDunopatrick dunoPatrickDunoMon, 21 Jul 2008 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Correction: Honda F1 not testing Danica, but would like to]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/correction-honda-f1-not-testing-danica-but-would-like-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/correction-honda-f1-not-testing-danica-but-would-like-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/correction-honda-f1-not-testing-danica-but-would-like-to/#commentsFiled under: ,



Yesterday we reported that Danica Patrick would test with the Honda F1 team at the end of the season. That report was a false start: Honda F1 CEO Nick Fry said there was no arrangement for Danica to test, and that she and the team have had no contact. However, Fry did say that if she wanted to test, they "would be more than happy to speak to her about it." The original source for the Danica-will-be-testing article was an Austrian newspaper interview with the same Nick Fry, which even included a time frame for the test. Something was apparently lost in translation... Thanks for the tip, NIBAL!

[Source: SpeedTV]

Correction: Honda F1 not testing Danica, but would like to originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica patrickdanica patrick f1DanicaPatrickDanicaPatrickF1f1formula 1Formula1honda f1HondaF1irlnick frynick fry honda f1NickFryNickFryHondaF1Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Danica Patrick scores full test with Honda F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/danica-patrick-scores-full-scale-test-with-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/danica-patrick-scores-full-scale-test-with-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/danica-patrick-scores-full-scale-test-with-honda/#commentsFiled under: ,



Danica Patrick, who races for the Honda-powered Andretti-Green IRL team, has spoken of wanting to make the jump to the world's premier form of motorsport, Formula 1. Later this year, according to Honda F1 CEO Nick Fry, the team is going to give her that chance. Danica will be put into Honda's Earth Dreams F1 car in November, probably at the Barcelona or Jerez tracks in Spain, for a full-scale test. Said Fry, "We will put her into our car after the season at the latest and see how quick she is."

The recent record of IndyCar drivers succeeding on the other side of the pond is mixed. It's still too early to tell with Sebastian Bourdais at Toro Rosso, though he appears to be handling things well enough. Jacques Villeneuve did well, but Michael Andretti did not. Scott Dixon, the 2003 IRL champ and 2008 Indy 500 winner tested with Williams-BMW in 2004, but didn't get a seat. Danica's already won a place in U.S. racing history. We'll find out in November if she's fast enough to do it in Europe, as well.

[Source: Eurosport, Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty]

Danica Patrick scores full test with Honda F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica patrickDanicaPatrickf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneindycarirlmotorsportsWed, 11 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST