Danica Patrick to Race Full-time With NASCAR in 2012

[2ndgenz28]

Danica Patrick to Race Full-time With NASCAR in 2012

Danica Patrick, highest-finishing female in a NASCAR national series event, announced Aug. 25 she will move full-time in 2012 to NASCAR's Nationwide Series and make her debut in NASCAR's Sprint Cup series from previously racing full time in the IndyCar Series.


Danica Patrick gives a thumbs-up at a news conference Thursday in Scottsdale, Ariz., where she announced she's leaving IndyCar in 2012 to run a full Nationwide schedule with JR Motorsports and up to 10 Sprint Cup races for Stewart-Haas Racing. (AP | Paul Connors)

Danica Patrick said Thursday her full-time jump to NASCAR in 2012 was the "worst-kept secret in the world."

But the popular driver has decided to keep at least one announcement under wraps -- her plans for NASCAR's richest race, the 2012 Daytona 500.

"That's one of the things we have not completely decided yet," Patrick said when asked about competing in February's Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway.

Patrick -- along with Bob Parsons, the CEO for her sponsor GoDaddy -- did, however, announce at a video news conference in Phoenix that she plans to run a full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule with JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., and a handful of Sprint Cup Series events with Stewart-Haas Racing, co-owned by Tony Stewart.

When The News-Journal asked about the 500, Patrick had little to say before deferring to Parsons.

"I don't know. 'What do you think, Bob?' " responded the 29-year-old, dressed in her black, tight GoDaddy attire.

"I think there's a possibility," Parsons said with a big smile.

Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood III sounded a bit disappointed Patrick did not announce her Daytona 500 intentions.

"I hope as they analyze the eight to 10 events she runs on the Sprint Cup side, I can't imagine that Daytona would not be considered favorably on that list," Chitwood said in a phone interview. "I hope Daytona is one of those select races."

Chances are it will be. All indications point toward Patrick attempting to qualify for the 500, which paid $268,550 to the last-place finisher in February.

She'll already be in town for the Nationwide race, which is scheduled one day before the 500.

And, The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday -- citing multiple unnamed sources -- that Patrick would enter the 500.

Patrick also said she enjoys racing on the Speedway's 2.5-mile tri-oval.

"I have definitely enjoyed going to Daytona, that's for sure," Patrick said. "I've done four races there. I really like it. I thought I had a great shot to win it at the end of the (Nationwide) race in July."

Patrick has run a limited number of Nationwide Series races with JR Motorsports since 2010.

In the July race at Daytona, she led 13 laps -- with Stewart pushing her to the front -- late in the race before crashing out on the last lap, finishing 10th.

There is speculation Patrick may use the Sprint Cup Series January test days at Daytona, officially called Preseason Thunder, to get a feel for the Cup stock cars.

[2ndgenz28]

"All indications point toward Patrick attempting to qualify for the 500, which paid $268,550 to the last-place finisher in February."

For that much money, id try n qualify my station wagon if they would let me.
I know it will do the min speed of 140+ , I hum down the eway for hrs at the time doing 90+ with only 1/4 throttle pressed down.

[hrpiii]

Originally Posted by 2ndgenz28

"All indications point toward Patrick attempting to qualify for the 500, which paid $268,550 to the last-place finisher in February."

For that much money, id try n qualify my station wagon if they would let me.
I know it will do the min speed of 140+ , I hum down the eway for hrs at the time doing 90+ with only 1/4 throttle pressed down.

a little bump drafting will pull that wagon up to about 160+. Put some tape on the grill for a few more hp, you are there. I will be honored to work in your pit.

based on your avi, I have the attire already.

[CamaroSkooter]

I entered a Danica Patrick thread and all I saw were pics of hrpiii

[TOMS1SS]

She isn't ready. She'll run back of the pack in Cup.

[2ndgenz28]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

I entered a Danica Patrick thread and all I saw were pics of hrpiii

Head out to your garage and stare at a 2x4, its has more shapely curves then her.

[CamaroSkooter]

...all my 2x4's are covered up by sheetrock...

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by TOMS1SS

She isn't ready. She'll run back of the pack in Cup.

She absolutely sucks. She is completely overrated, and lucked into her one and only win. There are other women who are FAR more talented but don't get anywhere near as many opportunities because they don't look as good in a Bikini. I am very happy she is gone as now I can finally watch IndyCar racing without a last place Danica update.

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by Rogue Leader

She absolutely sucks. She is completely overrated, and lucked into her one and only win. There are other women who are FAR more talented but don't get anywhere near as many opportunities because they don't look as good in a Bikini. I am very happy she is gone as now I can finally watch IndyCar racing without a last place Danica update.

yeah, that was always so annoying, doesn't matter what place she was in.... it was the biggest story

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

yeah, that was always so annoying, doesn't matter what place she was in.... it was the biggest story

She used a good fuel strategy (by her team) and some pitstop luck to place 4th at Indy, and win at Motegi, and automatically its like she parted the seas and turned water to wine.

[IrocJack]

2x4's lost

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by IrocJack

2x4's lost

that pic is so doctored

[Steve Dallas]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

that pic is so doctored

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by Steve Dallas

I'm just saying..... looks like nearly every inch of her's been edited