Danica Patrick

The NASCAR world had some company, of sorts, over this past weekend.  The arrival and presence of Danica Patrick almost became more of a focal point than the race itself.  Truth be told..I have no interest in NASCAR or any of the racing circuits.  That's not a knock on the sport..just doesn't do anything for me.  I definitely believe it takes a unique talent to push those cars at those speeds.  The timing, coordination and reflex of those drivers is insane.  Respect for the drivers..absolutely. HOWEVER, I do have a beef with the way Danica gets played in the "good ole boys" club.  I really feel she doesn't get her due respect.

From a market perspective..she's right up there with Dale Jr, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon..and whoever else is on the race car pedestal.  I admit..I do a double-take when those GoDaddy.com commercials air.  She's not ugly..at all.  Her name and image only help the sport.  Period. 

Now for the respect part..

I listen to the so called experts that bash her for only winning ONE career race.  Comparing her to other sport figures who have/had the image..but did not succeed in their sport (i.e., Anna Kournikova/tennis - yes, Anna is eye candy..period).  I don't think that's a fair comparison.  Anna's sport, tennis, was about going one-on-one, and the better player won.  That's not the case here.  Danica competes against 20 plus other drivers (depending on the type of race) and competes well.  Yes, she's only won one racing event..but to me its more than that one event.  If you Google Danica..and check her career earnings, her average finish..she's beating lots of men every weekend.  She has lots of top 10 finishes..which means she routinely beats more than half the field each race.  And if I'm not mistaken..they are of the male persuasion.  I'm pretty damn sure there are lots of men who can't even touch her racing earnings and/or average finish.

I don't think of racing as an individual sport.  There's too many players involved with each race team.  I feel she continues to prove herself with each race..each interview..each commercial.  She is a hot commodity for the sport..and will be for a long time.  In my eyes..she proves her worthiness to the sport each week.  Go Danica!!


Peace out my HALEYUNNS!