Danica Schmanica

I don't know about the rest of y'all, but if I hear one more story about Danica Patrick, I'm going to scream and have to be taken away, ha ha, hee hee, ho ho.  So why am I writing this?  To prove a point.  Plus, it's my blog.  LOL

Danica Patrick is arguably a star.  She's an IRL driver with one win, and in her last three IRL races this year, her finishes were all top ten.  She's a model and a spokesperson.  But does she belong in NASCAR?  Yes, but not right now.  As I pointed out in another blog, she has one ARCA race, and four Nationwide races to her credit.  And she's only managed to finish two of the Nationwide races.  So, when it came time to choose an in-race reporter, so us fans can get expert front row analysis of what's going on in the race, ESPN, naturally chose Patrick.  That made about as much sense as leaving a drunk the keys to the liquor cabinet to make sure the booze is safe.  So why did ESPN do it?  Simple.  It sells.

Now, before all you conspiracy theorists, start screaming that I'm a male chauvinist pig, let me say this:  Patrick is a very talented driver.  You don't run Indy cars at 235 mph and have a top ten in the Indy 500 unless you are talented.  But Indy racing, and NASCAR are two very different animals, as Patrick, is learning the hard way.  What gripes me about Patrick's presence in NASCAR right now, is that she's here because of who she is, and not what she's earned or accomplished.  And she's taking seat time away from drivers who have earned that right.

Patrick will one day, have a legitimate place in NASCAR, and I'm all for it.  But, she should work her way up the ladder, just like everyone else did.  Not simply have it handed to her.  When and if she does get how NASCAR works, she'll be very good for the sport.  In terms of marketability, fan base, and more than likely Soap Opera drama every time she gets wrecked, or wrecks someone else. 

Welcome to NASCAR, Ms. Patrick. You will one day, be very good for our sport.  But please, come back when you have earned it, and not had it handed to you because you look good in a bikini.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Credit Shout Out:  Photo courtesy of Yahoo! Sports and Getty Images.