By now, all the NASCAR haulers are headed to Daytona for pre-season testing. All eyes seem to be on Danica Patrick. All I hear on the talk shows is, "Can she make it in a man's sport?" or "She's got no business out there!" And let's not forget, "She's just doing this for publicity".
As an avid race fan, let me tell you, this gal is the real deal. I've watched her career from her days in the Toyota Atlantic Open Wheel Series. She nearly won the Indy 500 her rookie year racing for Bobby Rahal. Those who follow Indy car know that its very tough to win in that series unless your driving for Target Ganassi or Roger Penske.
This year she jumps to NASCAR Nationwide series full time after juggling a full time Indy and part time NASCAR schedule the last two seasons. In those two part time seasons I have watched her go from barely finishing races to coming a lap away from winning the Nationwide race at Daytona last year. She only continues to get better. Her crew chief Tony Eury Jr. says she is like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge that she can. I think she will certainly be a contender for the Nationwide Championship this year.
In addition to running the full nationwide schedule with JR Motorsports, she will be racing in ten Sprint Cup races for Stewart-Haas Racing, including the Daytona 500.
I believe we need more women in the sport of auto racing. There are many out there in the local short track scene who, given the opportunity, I think could really do well.
There are those who say Danica only got a shot in NASCAR because of her looks. Well my view on that is if you've watched her career evolve like I have, you would see that this girl can wheel a car with the best of them. She is a true racer. It doesn't make a bit of difference that she is a female.
I, for one, will be rooting for her every step of the way.
Until next week, safe travels.
As an avid race fan, let me tell you, this gal is the real deal. I've watched her career from her days in the Toyota Atlantic Open Wheel Series. She nearly won the Indy 500 her rookie year racing for Bobby Rahal. Those who follow Indy car know that its very tough to win in that series unless your driving for Target Ganassi or Roger Penske.
This year she jumps to NASCAR Nationwide series full time after juggling a full time Indy and part time NASCAR schedule the last two seasons. In those two part time seasons I have watched her go from barely finishing races to coming a lap away from winning the Nationwide race at Daytona last year. She only continues to get better. Her crew chief Tony Eury Jr. says she is like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge that she can. I think she will certainly be a contender for the Nationwide Championship this year.
In addition to running the full nationwide schedule with JR Motorsports, she will be racing in ten Sprint Cup races for Stewart-Haas Racing, including the Daytona 500.
I believe we need more women in the sport of auto racing. There are many out there in the local short track scene who, given the opportunity, I think could really do well.
There are those who say Danica only got a shot in NASCAR because of her looks. Well my view on that is if you've watched her career evolve like I have, you would see that this girl can wheel a car with the best of them. She is a true racer. It doesn't make a bit of difference that she is a female.
I, for one, will be rooting for her every step of the way.
Until next week, safe travels.
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