Hallelujah! “Danica Mania” over

By Mike Harper

It amazes me how some stories get top priority while some stay under the radar screen. For example, for a few short seconds the world’s problems came to a halt this week as the news broke about IRL’s driver Danica Patrick.

Patrick decided to remain in the IRL and not move to NASCAR. When the decision was announced it took center stage during news alerts on the Fox News Channel and CNN.

"Danica Mania" spilled over a few weeks ago when her father made comments about his wishes to have his daughter in NASCAR. Once his comments were made, an all out media frenzy began and NASCAR along with some of their drivers jumped on board the bandwagon.

"If she was to come, it would be awesome for us -- and for her," said NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne. Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Ford said, "I feel like it says a lot about NASCAR's popularity if folks like Danica are coming, I think it's awesome," and NASCAR veteran Mark Martin added, "I think it would be great, absolutely fantastic. She is definitely a major, major, major draw."

Other NASCAR insiders agree with me that Patrick should not venture over to NASCAR. Rusty Wallace said, "She knows she would make a lot of money, but the NASCAR cars are so hard to figure out. With her talent level right now and understanding of NASCAR, she could not just jump in and go right after it." Erin Crocker, a female development driver for Evernham Motorsports said, "To jump right into Nextel Cup would be a mistake. Even drivers like Adrian Fernandez and Paul Tracy who have come from other series have run Busch races and struggled."

Even Patrick’s competitors from the IRL jumped in with their comments. One notable comment came from IRL driver Ed Carpenter when he said, "I mean, you know especially if you catch her at the right time of the month, she might be trading plenty of paint out there."

Ouch Ed!

I surely can see the appeal of having Patrick in NASCAR, but the move, would have been a career killer if she failed in NASCAR.

Sarah Fisher, another female driver who won most popular honors in the IRL during the 2001-2003 seasons, had the same decision to make about NASCAR that Patrick was contemplating. In this case, Fisher made the move to NASCAR and now race fans want to know where she is?

Fisher signed on as a Richard Childress Racing development driver in 2005 and currently she’s without a ride. In a May 2006 statement Fisher said, "We are still trying to put something together for the 2006 season. Sponsorship pitching has been really tough this year in the South and there are still some hopes out there. The main goal is to get in a car asap. As soon as I know anything, I will surely pass it on. I know some of the fans are upset that there is a lack of information right now, but I too am in the same situation and it has been frustration for all involved. Please understand that we are working really hard to make something happen and will be very happy to let everyone know as soon as we have something to release."

Rumors had Fisher back in the IRL racing at the July 30^th Michigan International Speedway event, but according to reports a deal couldn’t be put together in time.

In my opinion, if Fisher couldn’t find success in NASCAR, I’d be hard press to see Patrick succeed either. Maybe it’s just me, but I found Fisher to be more talented behind the wheel of a race car, while Patrick seems to enjoy the attention and money that the sport provides. Don’t get me wrong, Patrick can wheel an IRL car, so could Fisher. But a move to NASCAR would’ve iced Patrick’s career far beyond what Fisher has experienced.

You want me to say it? Fine!

I think Fisher is the better driver. There, I feel better!

It would be in the IRL’s best interest to bring Sarah Fisher back into the fold and instead of always highlighting Patrick’s fourth place finishes, lets see the best two female IRL drivers go at it on the track.