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July 11, 2006
Danica who?
By Mike Harper
The 2006 NASCAR silly season has been crazy and flat out silly.
As we sit back and watch the rumors and stories unfold, I actually feel sorry for Jeff Gordon. Doesn’t a win in NASCAR mean anything anymore? It seems that a few names have been tossed into the media spin cycle this week and oh golly look out, NASCAR is a better place because of it! It’s now time for a reality check.
F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has decided to come over to the green pastures of NASCAR and the folks are excited. Don’t get me wrong, everyone in the NASCAR community should be excited, but the aftermath of his announcement should have many of us questioning the motives of others wanting to jump on the bandwagon.
For example, is it coincidental that all the sudden Danica Patrick wants to race in NASCAR? Patrick is in the last year of her contract with IRL team Rahal-Letterman Racing and while it may be a good time to consider following Montoya to NASCAR, I have the strong opinion that NASCAR is being used in a game of "show me the money!"
Its being reported that Patrick’s parents were guests at last weekends NASCAR event in Chicago. Her father T.J. said, "I'm trying to get her here (into NASCAR)," and "we've had some inquiries."
Roush Racing hosted Patrick’s parents, however according to a Roush Racing spokesperson no discussions of having Patrick drive for Roush ever took place.
Patrick’s father is managing her career and would be the person negotiating contracts on her behalf. But since Patrick is one of the most popular drivers in the IRL, wouldn’t it dawn on people that her father tossing out an olive branch to NASCAR teams would only force the IRL and their teams to fight to keep her? In my eyes, her father is using NASCAR as leverage to get what they want in the IRL.
I’ve learned from Patrick herself that she’s not interested in stock cars. In an interview done several years ago, Patrick told the European Car Magazine that being paid to race on ovals beats not getting paid to race, it is still second to road racing. Also, when Ford was very interested in Patrick and having her in a stock car, Patrick said about Ford, "I didn't want to waste their money."
Patrick is motivated to grow the IRL. "I don't feel insecure about being girlie," she told Sports Illustrated. "I do as much media as I can because I want this IRL series to be so kick-butt that NASCAR goes, Huh?"
In March 2006, Patrick was asked about her interest in moving to NASCAR. "It might happen one day, but it might not. I think I have to go where the fun is for me," she said. "I have my family and my friends and NASCAR is just so many races. You race almost every single weekend, it seems like … that you don't have a life. My husband still works a little bit, by no means would I want to be away from him that much. It's all about what makes you happy in your life. And your life is way too short to just work. And so what if you make a lot of money at the end of it, if you can't do anything with it."
Last month Patrick told a Dallas reporter, "Obviously, one of the big draws with NASCAR is money, you can make a lot of money. It's a much bigger schedule, but again, they make that much more money. At some point in time, you have to think about that."
NASCAR, don’t get too excited about Danica Patrick coming into the series. In my opinion, it’s a negotiating ploy and Patrick wants to have her cake and eat it too – in the IRL.
July 11, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
Mike I think your right.
And I think NA$CAR is ready for a female, but not this one.
Posted by: Diane | Jul 11, 2006 5:42:17 PM
Mike,
Personally I couldn't care less if Danica comes to NASCAR or not. Other than being photogenic (if you like 100 lb women I guess), I don't think shes done all that much in Indycar racing so far. She might also find the learning curve a bit steep racing with drivers that actually touch fenders etc and she'd learn pretty quick that shes "Not all that" in NASCAR.
I think you're half right...
Montoya, well maybe for him it was his only option since his team dumped him and he had no lookers in F1. NASCAR was his best shot to keep food on the table for the family.
Patrick seems more like a money ploy, but if I were the IRL I wouldn't buy into it. Let her go to NASCAR. She'd be back in no time for a cheaper dollar. Besides, we got our own girls working their way up into the top tier. We don't need a little princess playing commoner.
Posted by: Keith | Jul 11, 2006 5:43:19 PM
what has she done except for what she did last year at indy even a dog can have its day in the sun i think she will be bad for nascar in terms of the racing stand point i cant wait if she and montoya are at turn 3 at talladega with jr. bumping them the hole way around we'll put welcome to nascar on his bumper for them
Posted by: Jared | Jul 11, 2006 5:53:08 PM
I agree with what Diane said, I would like to see a female race in Nascar and be competitive but not Danica. She hasn't done much to impress me in the IRL.
Posted by: Michelle | Jul 11, 2006 5:54:01 PM
On the other hand...hypothetically, if Danica came to NASCAR, and took Gordon out...Would he fight with the Helmet on or off? Boooooo, lol I'm J/K
Posted by: Keith | Jul 11, 2006 6:30:00 PM
Hey Mike,
It would be cool to see a lady be competitive in Nascar. Based on her Indy car performance, I doubt it will be Danica.
I pray we don't have to endure the hype that goes with her.
Juan will provide some entertainment. A writer mentiond the notion of him doing a autograph session at wal-mart. Hard to see that picture!
Posted by: Larry | Jul 11, 2006 6:43:57 PM
Keith, you’re bad. I guess next you'll have her leaving black devices on the track.
I would rather see Kelly Sutton and Erin Crocker make it in the Cup.
Posted by: Diane | Jul 11, 2006 7:38:40 PM
Danica doesn't want to run in NA$CAR.
Posted by: Diane | Jul 11, 2006 8:02:41 PM
Diane,
Im not sure she has enough to require said device, but like you posted...NIX on the Danica. See, there is a god.
Posted by: Keith | Jul 11, 2006 8:21:29 PM
Alright let's cut the crap, Montoya will make Michael Waltrip look GOOD! There is no way...even in a Roush or Hendrick machine that he'd be competitive...Hell I'd bet Morgan Shepard be more competitive, like Keith said this will put food on the table till he scurries back to open wheel.
I am all for "diversity", if a woman wants to join the ranks of NASCAR so be it, BUT it should be based on performance NOT because she has boobs...GOD we have enought on the track as it is take your pick. Danica has done nothing to impress me, and Erin and Kelly...Bless their heart...;) they've got a ways to go!
Nascar Nextel Cup should BE the BEST of the BEST, based on performance, and have absolutley NOTHING...nada...nyet to do with color or gender! All this hoopla about JPM and Danica is just ANOTHER roadside diversion in the France Family Circus!
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 11, 2006 8:27:09 PM
Tbfka#5,
You're pushing the credibility envelope there thinking anyone could make MW look good as a racer.
Montoya has skills and a bunch to learn but I wouldn't kick him to the curb just yet. I would however dump the promotional diversity crap. If hispanics want to follow Montoya, fine. If they want to follow Jr., fine. But, to say just because he's from south of the border that hispanics will throng blindly to NASCAR belittles hispanics and NASCAR.
Posted by: Keith | Jul 11, 2006 8:43:08 PM
When Tony George started the IRL its purpose was to showcase American talent
on oval tracks around the country.It has
at best been a limited sucess.The high points were noted sprint car champ Jack Hewitt made the 98 Indy 500 and another new name was JJ Yaley in that race.Also the winning of many races and championship's by Tony Stewart.They tried to bring back the "olden days" when the likes of Andretti,Unser,A J,could race at a
big paved oval and the next night be at a dirt track in a USAC sprinter.They had a female and she was voted Most Popular driver 2 years in a row.They let her go.
Now they have Danica,and Marco and they are
on an upswing,but Marco wants to go F1
and I bet he does,heck even Rahals son is going to end up there.
Tony George financed some 9 or 10 teams to race Indy this year,how about next year,
they can not let Danica go,she knows this,
and she wants more money,she also unlike JPM knows what the big cars can do.
I am all for females in NA$CAR,and think we will see one soon
Danica comming to NA$CAR no way
again I find myself agreeing with Michelle
and Diane....waiting to hear from Shirley
getting off my soap box
anybody seen my med's
Posted by: trucker | Jul 11, 2006 8:52:30 PM
Alright Keith...MAYBE "Mojo" could make make MW look good, HOWEVER I think JPM is in for a Sharp learning curve, what to Champ cars weight like 1800 pounds? I just don't feel he will be more than media fodder while trying to compete with a bunch of "roughnecks"...and I REALLY don't think Ganassi is much since Sterling had a legitimate shot at the title. With Mears bailing, Reed Sorenson seems to be their only hope, with a season average finish of 21.5, to Stremme's dismal 29.2, and Casey's a moot point at 18.1. I think the only busy ones at Ganassi will be the chassis and Fab shop rebuilding his wrecks, remember when Robbie Gordon first came into Cup...he sucked hind T*t, I don't think JPM has that much intestinal fortitude.
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 12, 2006 12:19:47 AM
Keith:
"Montoya, well maybe for him it was his only option since his team dumped him and he had no lookers in F1. NASCAR was his best shot to keep food on the table for the family."
Thanks for the laugh Keith, "food on the table," that's rich, literally. The guy owns a multi-million dollar villa in Monoco for christ sakes. (and another in Spain)
Trucker:
"Now they have Danica,and Marco and they are
on an upswing,but Marco wants to go F1
and I bet he does,heck even Rahals son is going to end up there."
Isn't that contradictory? The IRL is on the "upswing" yet the two biggest potential stars will be leaving? Not to mention Tony G abondoned the entire West Coast and cancelled all their events there.
"Upswing" my achin' butt!
Tbfka#5:
"Alright let's cut the crap, Montoya will make Michael Waltrip look GOOD! There is no way...even in a Roush or Hendrick machine that he'd be competitive..."
Name one series Montoya has not been a winner, if not champion? Why OMG he even has a dominating championship trophy in a "tin top" "door slamin" series. (http://tinyurl.com/hx2w6)
The only thing that would prevent Montoya from being competitive is 1. lack of experiance (easiliy solved), and the mid-pack crap boxes Ganassi puts on the track.
Posted by: Marc | Jul 12, 2006 3:47:27 AM
A co-worker put it best this morning. "Why shouldn't Danica go to NASCAR, she has done so well in the IRL....."
Makes a great point there, what does she have to show besides a pretty face? She hasn't won a single race. Granted there is talent there but I think the advantage of having Honda power helped. Now that everyone has Honda the field is balanced and now she is just a pretty face.
Now there is an article on TR.com saying that she wasn't included in these preliminary talks and doesn't want to go NASCAR. Just like Mike wrote, he dad is using this meeting as a chess move for more money......
Posted by: Mark | Jul 12, 2006 7:25:04 AM
I guess I'm in the minority here. I want to see Patrick do well in the IRL. I want the IRL to reunite with CART and get the whole open-wheel feud over and done with, so we can see an open wheel race with a decent field.
I do not want to see Patrick in NASCAR. I think it would be a bad move for her and a quick slide to obscurity, and in five years she'll be on a show titled, "Whatever Happened to..."
Stay in IRL, Danica.
Posted by: BARman | Jul 12, 2006 8:24:08 AM
Me thinks that Mike Daly is now using an alias, and is now known as "Marc".
Posted by: BillyRayBubbaBob | Jul 12, 2006 9:11:26 AM
lol
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 12, 2006 9:36:22 AM
I would like to see her do well in whatever she does, don't get me wrong.......
Posted by: Mark | Jul 12, 2006 9:37:37 AM
When Diane sent me an e-mail that Danica was going to NASCAR I replied: NO! Say it ain’t so!!!
But then I started thinking about it and thought, what happened, she’s said she doesn’t want to go to NASCAR. Then I read Ed Hinton’s article on the “Orlando Sentinel” web site and realized ‘daddy’ had dollar signs dancing in his head. But I didn’t come up with the scenario of it being a “negotiating ploy” for more money in IRL. And what happened to Letterman and his devotion to Danica? Did he finally realize she’s not that good? She led a lap at Indy! WOW! I don’t remember, but did she gain the lead by passing cars, or stay out when everyone else pitted?
I almost hate to watch IRL because I’m so sick of all the Danica hype. It still ticks me off that Dan Wheldon won the Indy 500 and she was on the cover of SI. Why? Because she led a lap and finished fourth. Oh yeah – she’s cute and gets the attention of every man on the planet. They also gather around her pit like moths, so you can’t get by to see other drivers. I know. It was all I could do to get to the Andretti-Green pits at St. Pete, because you had to pass by hers to get to theirs. (Can you tell I’m not a fan? But I do hope she does well, just not in a stock car.)
I would love to see a competent female driver in Cup. I’m really hoping it works out for Erin Crocker. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders and is focused on racing. (Okay trucker, insert your comments here.) Maybe with the COT she’ll have a fighting chance.
Do I think a female can win in the Cup series? Hell yeah! Give me a chance, and I’ll bump Jeff and everyone else out of the way for a win. Well, maybe not Schrader. :)
Great piece, Mike. Sorry it took me to long to read and respond.
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 12, 2006 10:33:55 AM
Yeah, I thought the world was going to come to an end until Shirley responded. Women do not belong in racing. Cannot win. Too emotional.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jul 12, 2006 11:41:42 AM
"Women do not belong in racing. Cannot win. Too emotional."
Then, Mr. Daly, I assume you do not consider NHRA 'racing.' Or did you forget about Shirley Muldowney's numerous wins. Not to mention the talented females currently competing.
And I won't type other other comment.
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 12, 2006 12:12:27 PM
Mike Daly needs to stop looking where the sun doesn't shine.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 12, 2006 12:32:07 PM
I think it'll be a tough road for Juan, but, out of all of the IRL/CART/F1 drivers I'd like to see make it in NASCAR. He seems to be a good down-to-earth guy who'll fit in well. Going from 1400lb missiles to the sluggish stock cars will be a huge change to adapt to.
Far as Danica she hasn't perfected or even shown much besides potential. Too early to tell. The beauty queen image rubs me wrong. Erin Crocker hasn't shown much on the track but I like her persona. At the track she's a racer first, a girl second. Danica? Not so sure.
Posted by: Scott | Jul 12, 2006 12:43:37 PM
Richard Petty said women should stay out of Nascar, the King has spoken.
Posted by: ike | Jul 12, 2006 1:21:03 PM
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