Danica Patrick to Race Six Remaining NASCAR Nationwide Races

Her full-time job done for the year, Danica Patrick now faces greater scrutiny and stress in her effort to finish out this year’s remaining Nationwide Series races. Despite a strong second place finish at last week’s Homestead-Miami IndyCar event, she has struggled all year and finished only 10th in the IndyCar final points standings (her worst since racing as a rookie).

Adding insult to injury, Danica’s once loving fans loudly booed her at this year’s Indy 500 when she was overly critical of her car and crew. Further, she has taken plenty of heat from NASCAR and IndyCar fans alike throughout the season regarding her ability or inability to drive in NASCAR and its impact on her IndyCar racing. Yet, Danica remained tenacious and focused while she racked up a record setting 33 consecutive IndyCar finishes, and she seems upbeat about competing in the final Nationwide Series races.


Despite her effort, most fans appear not to expect great racing from Danica in the remaining Nationwide events due largely in part to her dismal 2010 NASCAR Nationwide performances. Her average Nationwide finish this year has been around 30th place. Yet, with six races remaining, word is that Danica also knows that something has to change, and one of those changes may include a driving coach to improve her NASCAR driving.


While this weekend may be too soon to see any appreciable results of additional training or technique, you can bet that many eyes will be watching as Danica muscles her No. 7 Tissot JR Motorsports Chevrolet around the track for the Camping World 300 at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, California. For Danica, cheers rather than boos and a finish better than 31st will be a huge step in the right direction.