12:14 AM
JD
Edwards’ contract with Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing comes to a close at the end of 2011, and although most people have all but signed the contract for him, Edwards is still a free agent…kind of. He is weighing his options, yet few people think he would leave a team that has made him a contender for a few years now. Be that as it may, his top suitor, Joe Gibbs Racing according to rumors, will continue to gain his attention.
While all of this has been slowly developing, Danica Patrick has been fulfilling her obligations to Andretti Autosport in the Indy Car series, until Friday night. She returned Friday to race in the Nationwide Series race at Daytona International speedway for JRMotorsports.
When she raced there in February, Patrick was timid at best in the two car packs. Although she managed a respectable 14th place finish there, she wowed few. However, in this week’s race Patrick seemed aggressive and comfortable. She was even more comfortable for all of the off-track conversation.
Patrick has been asked before whether she will move from Indy Car to a full time NASCAR ride, a topic she has kept at arms length. This week, though, she simply reacted as if the intention is there but the deal just has not been signed. If she is truly interested in a 2012 ride, the season will definitely get silly.
Danica is no doubt one of the best marketing opportunities that has come to NASCAR in quite a while, but to this point had not proven herself worthy of a full time ride and a shot at a Sprint Cup ride in the future. Although I am sure any team would have jumped at signing her, she is much more profitable to them if she is contending for wins.
In 2010 she had only one finish inside the top 20, often finishing several laps behind the leaders. Yet in 2011, it seems as though Patrick has gotten more comfortable with both the different car and the different style of racing. In only 6 races she has posted 3 top 10 finishes and has only one finish outside the top 20. That is definitely a turnaround from a year ago.
The main question that will have to be answered is where will she go? JRMotorsports would surely be glad to sign her for a full season in the Nationwide Series for 2012, but they do not have a Sprint Cup team, which she will probably want for at least a few races in 2012. No matter where she goes, plan on hearing about it for the rest of this year.
Oh yea, has Carl Edwards signed yet??
Posted in: Carl Edwards,Dale Earnhardt Jr,Danica Patrick,Daytona,Greg Biffle,Joe Gibbs,Juan Pablo Montoya,Mark Martin,Nascar,Nascar Blog,Nascar Nationwide Series,nascar news,Sprint Cup
1 comments:
JD...
Danica reminds me of how GM has marketed their cars for years... A lot of fluff and glitter but not much underneath the first impression. I think if she is ever going to have success as a professional race driver she'd better concentrate on what's underneath that first impression. The first step in that process is concentrating on just one type of racing be it IndyCar or NASCAR. This bouncing back and forth isn't helping her career if she wants to be a big time winner.
The other night when she lead late at Daytona the crowd went crazy so it's a no-brainer concerning her crowd appeal.
I think you're right, JR Motorsports might have to consider fielding a Sprint Cup if they want to keep Danica.
I have to wonder what Joe Gibbs would do to get Cousin Carl to sign... Would they go to a four car team or cut someone loose? If it's the latter, who goes? Interesting scenario that'll probably never happen. I just can't see Carl jumping ship on the Cat in the Hat!
Thanks JD!
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