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[December 10, 2009]

IndyCar star Danica Patrick nervous about stock-car debut

DALLAS, Dec 10, 2009 (Fort Worth Star-Telegram - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Just because she's one of the most popular sports figures in auto racing doesn't mean Danica Patrick is immune to nerves.

Patrick, who announced Tuesday that she will drive a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2010, admitted she's a little apprehensive about making her stock-car debut.

"I'm definitely nervous about next year running in the Nationwide Series," said Patrick, who was in Dallas as part of Time Warner Cable's launch of its Road Runner Mobile network. "It's going to be really difficult and it's going to be a real challenge. Obviously with the primary focus being on the IndyCar Series, it's not as if my core focus is on it. I'm going to give it all I have. I don't doubt I have a great team around me in the Nationwide Series." Patrick will drive the No. 7 Godaddy.com Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. And just like she has in the IndyCar Series with Andretti Autosport, Patrick will be driving for a top-flight team. Patrick, who will make her stock-car debut at the ARCA race Feb. 6 at Daytona, will be driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick.

Having those two behind her should make the transition easier. Patrick also will have the benefit of a solid day job in the IndyCar Series. That will allow her to take her time in stock cars and see if she's really cut out for NASCAR. She will only race in NASCAR when it doesn't conflict with the Indy cars.

"It's done this way on purpose," said Patrick, who will test her ARCA car next week. "No. 1, I can feel it out and get a feel for whether I really like the car. Also I can start small and see if it really goes from there. I like the structure. Everyone around me wants me to be successful if I make it to Sprint Cup one day. Their advice to me is to start small." Patrick isn't the first open-wheel driver to make the transition to NASCAR. Two-time Sprint Cup champ Tony Stewart started in the IndyCar Series. Juan Pablo Montoya won the Indianapolis 500 in 2000. But there are also drivers who have tried to make the switch and failed.

Patrick is doing her best to find out what she's in for.

"I've spoken to quite a few guys who've tried NASCAR at any level," she said. "They all had definite opinions and views and feedback. There was no argument that the cars were fun and the racing was fun. It was just a matter of feeling comfortable and getting the experience." Patrick's decision to race in NASCAR hasn't been met with universal support. She has just one victory in the IndyCar Series and has never won a championship.

But she's not racing in NASCAR to prove anything.

"I'm not necessarily out there with negative thoughts toward anyone or trying to change their minds," said Patrick, whose NASCAR debut will likely come at the Feb. 13 Camping World 300 at Daytona. "I have great support to allow me to pursue this dream to try these cars out and see what I can do. When I go out there, as long as I've gone out there and done my job, it's hard to care what other people say." Anthony Andro, 817-390-7760 To see more of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.dfw.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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