Danica Patrick to NASCAR?
Posted by GEORGE June 18, 2009 12:41:53 PM
Once again, rumors are flying that IRL driver Danica Patrick may be coming to NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. While this may be an equitable move for Patrick, and a ticket sales boost for NASCAR, in the long run it may be a poor decision on Danica's part.
No one can argue that Danica Patrick is a great IRL driver, her success on the track is proof enough, but I can make the argument that she is not cut out for the big cars in NASCAR racing, or the length of the races. Strength and conditioning are very important in NASCAR racing. Danica is in great shape and is well-conditioned, but may not built for the rigors of NASCAR.
She is showing more interest in making the move than she did last time rumors started. At least this time she is not making statements such as "They need to shorten NASCAR races." There are some teams which would offer her a contract right now, but it's the dollar signs they're looking at, rather than making her a NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.
Danica Patrick wants the money, but she is a true racer and wants wins, possibly even more than she wants the money. She needs to consider the lack of success other IRL drivers have had after moving to NASCAR. I know Tony Stewart drove in both IRL and NASCAR, and Juan Pablo Montoya is making a name for himself in NASCAR racing, but many other drivers have failed and have left NASCAR, or are continuing to flounder.
I would love to see Danica Patrick make the move to NASCAR and give a boost to my favorite sport, but not at the cost of a successful career.
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