When Danica Patrick announced in late 2009 that she would be going NASCAR racing, people questioned her motives. Is she doing it for publicity, or is it because of the exposure, the money, or is it because she wanted to be here?
Her first-year struggles were normal, and the learning curve was enormous. But that was expected, just as any pure rookie in NASCAR. But, as her second year progressed, she began getting better, and her on-track respect has grown. Her top-five run at Las Vegas, coupled with her top-10 run at Daytona last month has shown she is capable of running with the big boys in the sport.
Now, it appears she's ready to do it for good.
According to sources close to Patrick, she is in the process of finalizing her 2012 plans to run full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports, driving the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet. Plus, Patrick could be slated to run a limited amount of races in the Sprint Cup Series in a third car fielded by Stewart-Haas Racing.
All this is not finalized, and the sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as Patrick still must obtain a release from Andretti Green Racing, who fields her entry in Indy Car.
It also appears that in the contract, she would still continue to run in the Indianapolis 500, one source told the Associated Press.
In 19 races, patrick has zero wins, but late last year she began showing better driving skill, finishing 19th at Homestead. She almost won at Daytona in July until the last-lap accident relegated her to a 10th-place finish. However, JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shown interest in having her run full-time.
"I feel confident that she's content where she is and happy with what we're doing. I think things are looking positive for us to put something together," Earnhardt Jr. said last weekend at Indianapolis.
As for Stewart, he has stated in the past that he would love to work with Patrick. However, he has no interest in fielding a Nationwide car. He would rather work with her at the Sprint Cup level, which is still strong as his team gets equipment from Hendrick Motorsports, who also supplies equipment for JR Motorsports.
"Anybody that's got a Cup team that would have the availability would jump at the chance to do something with her," Stewart said in May. "You would be crazy not to entertain an offer like that and an opportunity for her to drive a race car for you."
What makes this potential deal interesting is the fact that Patrick would still be able to run the Indy 500. In preparation for that race, Indy Car drivers usually spend the entire month at Indianapolis, which includes practice, qualifying, bump day, and other activities.
In the month of May, the Nationwide Series had three races, and JR Motorsports co-owner Kelley Earnhardt has stated that for Patrick to run the full-time schedule and still run that race would be difficult.
Still, Junior feels that Patrick has the potential and the drive to compete full-time in NASCAR, and is excited to see what next year brings for her.
"She's way ahead of the curve. We've had the opportunity to put several drivers in that car, and her performance is right on par with all those drivers," Earnhardt said. "We started out struggling and she had a steep, steep climb to go and she's really come a long way. I'm excited about what the potential is with her going forward."
In 2011, five drivers have driven the No. 7 Chevrolet: Earnhardt Jr, Patrick, Ron Fellows, Josh Wise and Kasey Kahne. Earlier today. JR Motorsports announced that Jimmie Johnson would drive the No. 7 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen.
Patrick is slated to run five more races this year for JR Motorsports.
*UPDATE*
According to multiple sources, an announcement of Patrick's 2012 plans is possibly coming next week in Phoenix, where Patrick's IndyCar and NASCAR Nationwide sponsor GoDaddy.com is based. This was the same place Patrick first announced she was racing in NASCAR back in December 2009.
ESPN is reporting the contract is for an entire Nationwide schedule, with Patrick running select Sprint Cup events for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Details are still being finalized when the report was available.
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