Danika Uproar Begins
Danica Patrick drives the No. 88 JRM
Motorsports Chevrolet during a test Friday at Daytona International
Speedway for the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Patrick turned four
laps at speed
before rain ended practice.
(Photo Credit: Motorsports Images & Archives)
Nope, the big topic of conversation is the part-time entrance of Danica Patrick into NASCAR's Nationwide Series, getting a ride from JR Motorsports.
One writer can't wait to buy one of her T-shirts. Another is wondering why she is the only female driver named in one of Daytona Speedway's press releases regarding preseason testing. Most are sensibly taking the "Wait and See" middle ground.
After several years of driving Indy Cars, Danika got her one and only win Japan last year, while finally getting some good, consistent top finishes.
As she takes the seat in her first race at Daytona in February, there will be a ton of pressure on her to succeed immediately.
Why? Beats me. There is always a transition time going from one series to another. Add that to the fact that you are going from a car that is half as light, with tires that are twice as wide, and from an open-type car to a full-fendered car.
Let's face it, when was the last time you saw someone like Joey Logano step into the top ranks of NASCAR and show immediate success? To be honest, I'm sure there have been one or two here or there; but it beats me if I can remember who.
There is a natural transition time needed to make herself comfortable in a different type of race car. But how many media types will really allow her the time she needs, before they go to Lowe's to buy a new hammer for their columns that will feature her?
She is already a star going into her first season with NASCAR. She'll need time to make the adjustment. It won't be easy since she won't be running a full season. In fact, it will probably take a few seasons until she consistently runs near the top of the leaderboard. Just look at Juan Pablo Montoya.
But until then, why don't you do what you do with the other drivers; give her the time she needs, and treat her like one of the guys...
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