By: Angie Campbell
SpeedwayMedia.com
My take on Danica's first NASCAR start. Anyone think we'll see her make her first Nationwide Series start at Daytona?
The world was watching as Danica Patrick made her first stock car start at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, an ARCA Series event at Daytona International Speedway.
Her foray into NASCAR has been eagerly anticipated since the announcement was made this past December that she was joining JR Motorsports. Fans and critics alike have been vocal in expressing their differing opinions.
A third contingent of fans took the wait and see attitude and Danica did not disappoint.
She qualified in the 12th position, stayed in the top ten for much of the race and ran as high as fifth at one point. On lap 54, however, she bumped fenders with Nelson Piquet Jr., spinning off the track and into the grass. She managed to straighten out her car and avoid the other drivers, exhibiting great car control.
She even seemed to impress veteran driver Kyle Busch.
“Nice save Danica,” he posted on his twitter account.
Read the rest of the story here -> http://www.speedwaymedia.com/articles/Story.asp?S=4900207100425
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Feb 7, 2010
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Danica did a heckuva great job at Daytona yesterday ..what a great race that was and she did a great job with her car not wrecking it ..she looked good out there and she is ready to run with the big boys ..Feb 7, 2010
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She was calm... focused... competitive... and just conservative enough to parlay this performance into a prelude to one hell of a career in NASCAR Racing!
Congratulations Danica... Congratulations JR Motorsports!Feb 7, 2010 -
One ARCA race does not a stock car career make. The NASCAR series' are a whole different ballgame.
I do agree however that she was impressive in her debut.
I was especially impressed how she played it cool even during her spin where she exhibited great car control.
I was also impressed with her late race charge.
She's got quite a ways to go before she'll compete for wins in the Nationwide series, but she seems to be a quick study and should do well as her seat time increases.
Grade: B+Feb 7, 2010 -
Looks likes we'll be seeing her in the NW race if this story is true.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/26914.htmlFeb 7, 2010 -
Looks likes we'll be seeing her in the NW race if this story is true.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/26914.html
I don't know that it's the right decision or not, but I guess if your going to jump in, jump in with both feet.
Geronimoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!Feb 7, 2010 -
I knew she would after being in the ARCA race , you could tell by her interveiw she was hooked ,Feb 7, 2010
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Looks likes we'll be seeing her in the NW race if this story is true.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/26914.html
I don't know that it's the right decision or not, but I guess if your going to jump in, jump in with both feet.
Geronimoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Don't know if this is a good idea but it will be a heck of a show. She's got guts, I'll give her that.Feb 7, 2010 -
Here’s tha official TOAD prediction...
Ms Danica gonna start Saturday
in tha Nationwide Race...
Ms. Danica gonna finish intha top fifteen overall....
Ms. Danica gonna break sum hearts!
Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!
Feb 7, 2010 -
Ms Danica gonna be hung out to dry in the draft ......Feb 7, 2010
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Ms Danica gonna be hung out to dry in the draft ......
That's one of the things I'm leery of. IMO she needs more experience in stock cars before mixing it up in the Nationwide Series on a plate track.
She'll get there, but why rush it?Feb 7, 2010 -
Ms Danica gonna be hung out to dry in the draft ......
"She'll get there, but why rush it?"
Mick...
The answer my man, is not too complex...
here it is...
Feb 7, 2010 -
She does it for the TOAD ?Feb 7, 2010
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She seemed genuinely excited in the post race interview. Like she was glad to be there.
LeeFeb 7, 2010 -
Danica won me over! I was at Daytona and saw that save....It was great! She has a cool & competitive head on her shoulders. She was so happy to be racing. Nice finish!
Feb 8, 2010 -
It's now official. Danica will attempt the Nationwide race at Daytona ...
Danica to race Daytona after successful ARCA race
By Team Release
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Danica Patrick will make her Nationwide Series debut in the No. 7 Chevrolet Saturday at Daytona, JR Motorsports general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced Monday.
Patrick, Earnhardt, and team officials convened Sunday following the ARCA event at Daytona, in which Patrick raced to a sixth-place finish in her stock-car debut. The decision for Patrick to compete in the Daytona Nationwide Series event is supported by sponsor GoDaddy.com and JRM co-owners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Eury Jr., and Rick Hendrick.
"Racing in the Nationwide Series race was my goal during this entire two-month preparation process, but we wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do,"m Patrick said. "The ARCA race was a blast, and I'm not ready for my first Daytona Speedweeks to end just yet. I want more racing."
Patrick's entry in the Drive4COPD 300 puts her in a JR Motorsports tandem with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet. Patrick will continue her Nationwide Series schedule on Feb. 20 at Fontana and Feb. 27 at Las Vegas. Patrick is guaranteed starting positions in all three races based off JRM's acquisition of points from CJM Racing's No. 11 team, which finished 15th in the 2009 Nationwide Series owners' point standings.
"I think Danica proved to everyone that she can compete in stock cars at a high level, and right now seat time is extremely important," Kelley Earnhardt said. "She has worked extremely hard during the past two months for this opportunity. Her dedication and work ethic is infectious."Feb 8, 2010 -
I enjoyed the Arca Race!! it was exciting an a whole lot of upside down going on !! Great driving by Dani.. she drove it, to a top ten, after a exciting mayham, into the middle of the track amazine, I'm very happy can't wait to see her in the N'wide you go girl.Feb 8, 2010
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It's now official. Danica will attempt the Nationwide race at Daytona ...
Danica to race Daytona after successful ARCA race
By Team Release
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Danica Patrick will make her Nationwide Series debut in the No. 7 Chevrolet Saturday at Daytona, JR Motorsports general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced Monday.
Patrick, Earnhardt, and team officials convened Sunday following the ARCA event at Daytona, in which Patrick raced to a sixth-place finish in her stock-car debut. The decision for Patrick to compete in the Daytona Nationwide Series event is supported by sponsor GoDaddy.com and JRM co-owners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Eury Jr., and Rick Hendrick.
"Racing in the Nationwide Series race was my goal during this entire two-month preparation process, but we wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do,"m Patrick said. "The ARCA race was a blast, and I'm not ready for my first Daytona Speedweeks to end just yet. I want more racing."
Patrick's entry in the Drive4COPD 300 puts her in a JR Motorsports tandem with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet. Patrick will continue her Nationwide Series schedule on Feb. 20 at Fontana and Feb. 27 at Las Vegas. Patrick is guaranteed starting positions in all three races based off JRM's acquisition of points from CJM Racing's No. 11 team, which finished 15th in the 2009 Nationwide Series owners' point standings.
"I think Danica proved to everyone that she can compete in stock cars at a high level, and right now seat time is extremely important," Kelley Earnhardt said. "She has worked extremely hard during the past two months for this opportunity. Her dedication and work ethic is infectious."
I'm not sure she's ready for this. The ARCA and Nationwide Series are completely different. I'm also wondering how the Sprint Cup drivers in the race will treat her.
I wish her the best of luck though, just gonna add another layer of excitement to Daytona. Can't wait to go racing!Feb 8, 2010 -
I will say I was impressed by Danica. I will admit I was not a huge fan of seeing her come to NASCAR... however, she did great in the ARCA race. I always tune in for the Nationwide race but I will make sure to definitely not miss this one since she is now being entered. I wish her the best!!!Feb 8, 2010
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Danica will be starting the the NW race...
I am all for women drivers in Nascar. Danica was pretty impressive in her ARCA debut BUT:
1. The ARCA race was only 80 laps in length...36 of which were under caution and also had to be red flagged. So that doesn't give her any idea of the stamina it's gonna take to run the NW race which is 125 laps.
2. 9 of the competitors in the ARCA race were rookies (including her). There was a lot of wrecking, but almost nothing in the way of bump drafting. (and yes I know that bump drafting isn't conducive with the ARCA cars) She finished 6th out of the 28 RUNNING cars.
3. I think the NW regulars and the cup guys will have SOME patience with her, but eventually she's gonna get a bumper and she's gonna have to learn how to use one. She won't be able to just hang back and play it safe like she was doing.
4. We have green flag pitstops....she hasn't had any of those yet HMMMMM
I could probably come up with a few other things, but you get my drift. To sum it all up - I just don't know that this was her best move. First race of the season, everybody's hot to go to get back on the track - and it's Daytona! She doesn't have enough seat time for my liking.
I wish her the best of luck and I know she needs the chance to drive, but I'm afraid she's gonna piss off a whole lotta drivers before that race is over. (I hope I'm wrong) Should make for some interesting commentary and interviews.
I hope that whoever is calling the race remembers that there are 42 other drivers out there and gives them the air time they deserve.
OK....I'm done :)
Feb 8, 2010 -
I think its great for JR Motorsports ,and Danica Patrick think that she might even win on Saturday! Go Danica!Feb 8, 2010
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A lot of people have been upset about Danica taking Kelly Bire's ride at Daytona. I'm sure he's disappointed too but from his comments, he's taking the high road. Class act.
From @KellyBires on twitter:
"Let's be positive here everyone. JRM has given me a great opportunity to race. I know everyone's mad, but the bashing is unacceptable!"
From his Facebook fan page:
"I am very fortunate to have an opportunity to race for JRM in 2010. It is a great organization and I am 110% behind them as they are for me. I will be in Daytona with all my guys and we are really focusing on the Fontana race. Everyone knows that the economy has made it difficult on race teams. No... one's to blame and it's alright if everyone wants to be disappointed, but let's be positive."Feb 8, 2010 -
A lot of people have been upset about Danica taking Kelly Bire's ride at Daytona. I'm sure he's disappointed too but from his comments, he's taking the high road. Class act.
From @KellyBires on twitter:
"Let's be positive here everyone. JRM has given me a great opportunity to race. I know everyone's mad, but the bashing is unacceptable!"
From his Facebook fan page:
"I am very fortunate to have an opportunity to race for JRM in 2010. It is a great organization and I am 110% behind them as they are for me. I will be in Daytona with all my guys and we are really focusing on the Fontana race. Everyone knows that the economy has made it difficult on race teams. No... one's to blame and it's alright if everyone wants to be disappointed, but let's be positive."
Great attitude....you do have to be disappointed for the kid, it is a raw deal. As with all other aspects of life and racing though....nothing is set in stone and decisions are made for the benefit of the ones in power.Feb 8, 2010 -
A lot of people have been upset about Danica taking Kelly Bire's ride at Daytona. I'm sure he's disappointed too but from his comments, he's taking the high road. Class act.
From @KellyBires on twitter:
"Let's be positive here everyone. JRM has given me a great opportunity to race. I know everyone's mad, but the bashing is unacceptable!"
From his Facebook fan page:
"I am very fortunate to have an opportunity to race for JRM in 2010. It is a great organization and I am 110% behind them as they are for me. I will be in Daytona with all my guys and we are really focusing on the Fontana race. Everyone knows that the economy has made it difficult on race teams. No... one's to blame and it's alright if everyone wants to be disappointed, but let's be positive."
Great attitude....you do have to be disappointed for the kid, it is a raw deal. As with all other aspects of life and racing though....nothing is set in stone and decisions are made for the benefit of the ones in power.
Good explanation by Jeff Gluck that explains why and how the decision was made. It makes more sense now but it's still a raw deal for Kelly.
http://www.sbnation.com/2010/2/8/1301458/danica-patrick-go-daddy-dale-earnhardt-jr-kelly-bires-nascar-daytonaFeb 8, 2010 -
People who live in glass houses don't walk around nude no wait that's not it two stones with one bird no that's not it , ummmmm ahhhhh stuff happends ya that's it !!!!!Feb 8, 2010
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....lets see, there was this young kid named Joey that quickly dominated ARCA, shot through NNS (still does some races there), and moved into the big show in less than a year.....hmmmm
....now the only way for this dream to work for Danica is if she comes to the Kentucky Motor Speedway and wins the thing....that's how David Gilliand and Joey Lagano made their official passage into Sprint CupFeb 8, 2010 -
....lets see, there was this young kid named Joey that quickly dominated ARCA, shot through NNS (still does some races there), and moved into the big show in less than a year.....hmmmm
....now the only way for this dream to work for Danica is if she comes to the Kentucky Motor Speedway and wins the thing....that's how David Gilliand and Joey Lagano made their official passage into Sprint Cup
....lets see, there was this young kid named Joey (who has a stock car background) that quickly dominated ARCA (only 2 career wins http://racing-reference.info/driver?id=loganjo01 hardly dominating), shot through NNS (still does some races there), and moved into the big show in less than a year.....hmmmm
....now the only way for this dream to work for Danica is if she comes to the Kentucky Motor Speedway and wins the thing....that's how David Gilliand and Joey Lagano made their official passage into Sprint Cup
Just trying to keep the record straight :)
Danica, in time, will do great and we'll probably see her in the Cup Series eventually. But being full time in any NASCAR Series won't happen for at least three years as she does have that three year contract with Andretti Motorsports in the iZod IndyCar Series.
But ...
We all know about contracts in racing.
I would very much like to see her win the Indianapolis 500 before her IndyCar contract is up.Feb 8, 2010 -
Angie88, thanks for the link to Jeff Gluck's articule, it was very informative.
I can tell you as someone who's been trying to find steady work in NASCAR for the last 15 months that the sponsorship situation is terrible for the vast majority of teams in all levels of racing. Most teams are having to settle for just enough money to get the cars to the track and back, just hoping to stay in business until the economy turns around and sadly enough, alot of teams have folded and a bunch of good hardworking men and women have lost their jobs, not to mention all of the up and coming drivers who will have to wait until next year to have the opportunity to show their potential.
So while I hate that Kelly Bires has to sit out this one race, he will race this year. As for JRM the decision to put Danica Patrick in the #7 this Saturday was a no-brainer from a business point of view. With the #88 not fully sponsored for the year and somewhere north of 40 men and women working for them, they have to take every opportunity to bring in revenue. Even with the dollars they will make from this extra race for the #7, Dale Jr. will still be using his own money to keep his teams afloat this year.
Danica's outstanding performance in the ARCA race just made it even easier from a performance point of view to give her the chance to compete this weekend.
Mrs. Patricks participation will give NASCAR a give big boost, just when they really need it. I'm hoping she'll have a good safe race and will continue to create excitement and draw more fans to the sport I love.Feb 8, 2010 -
Angie88, thanks for the link to Jeff Gluck's articule, it was very informative.
I can tell you as someone who's been trying to find steady work in NASCAR for the last 15 months that the sponsorship situation is terrible for the vast majority of teams in all levels of racing. Most teams are having to settle for just enough money to get the cars to the track and back, just hoping to stay in business until the economy turns around and sadly enough, alot of teams have folded and a bunch of good hardworking men and women have lost their jobs, not to mention all of the up and coming drivers who will have to wait until next year to have the opportunity to show their potential.
So while I hate that Kelly Bires has to sit out this one race, he will race this year. As for JRM the decision to put Danica Patrick in the #7 this Saturday was a no-brainer from a business point of view. With the #88 not fully sponsored for the year and somewhere north of 40 men and women working for them, they have to take every opportunity to bring in revenue. Even with the dollars they will make from this extra race for the #7, Dale Jr. will still be using his own money to keep his teams afloat this year.
Danica's outstanding performance in the ARCA race just made it even easier from a performance point of view to give her the chance to compete this weekend.
Mrs. Patricks participation will give NASCAR a give big boost, just when they really need it. I'm hoping she'll have a good safe race and will continue to create excitement and draw more fans to the sport I love.
Thanks for your comments, really helps put it all in perspective. We all seem to forget sometimes that NASCAR is after all, a business.
Feb 8, 2010
Reply To: Danica Patrick Debuts at Daytona & Quiets Critics
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