http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5772590?FSO1&ATT=HMA

Interesting! I missed the story on JPM, wow! Wasn't he the guy that "traded" cars with Jeff Gordon one day? They had an F1 guy driving Gordon's car and he drove an F1 car. The F1 guy went through some tires because he was using a technique stopping the NASCAR car by putting it up on the tires edges on the road course he was testing it on!

Should be fun to watch!

Maybe Danica should win a race in IRL before she "explores" other venues. I have nothing against women in racing, but I hate seeing the ink she gets for being just another driver. Sarah Fisher didn't get this much publicity. But I would like to see DP and Erin Crocker mixing it up.

I'd love to see Sarah Fisher get a ride and win one (or several). I think she has talent and a bit of bad luck (unfortunately). I remember her and Lyn St. James running the Indy 500 and I was hoping one of them would win it. Instead, St. James took Sarah out in an accident that unfortunately gathered up the only two women in the field. I just kept waiting on the "comments" that were sure to come out of that one. Hit anyone on the track, but not Sarah..... Damn.

Wow...

Well, my personal opinion is for Danica to stay in IRL. I haven't read her reasons, so right now it just appears too premature for her to leave IRL.

Reading that story above it seems as if her Dad is trying to convince her to go to NASCAR...he may not be able to do that!

with the amount of media that Danica gets, it seems that she should have allready been in nascar...

C'mon guys... you know why Danica gets all the coverage she does. If you want this kinda stuff to stop then write Hot Rod and Car Craft and complain when they feature women in with cars, stop buying calendars with cars and chicks, etc. When this happens Danica will be just another racer. Like the extra minutes in the TV commercial. When? Never!

Mostly, I think she needs to eat a sandwich......

I read her interview in FHM some time ago and she came off as an arrogant, road raging idiot.

Then, our local TV station test drove the new Honda SUV with her and while she was driving, he was in the back doing the inteview and she said something like "just as long as everyone stays out of my way, we'll have a good drive" (or something equally stupid). I'm guessing it's a persona that she thinks race fans would like, mostly she sounds like a spoiled brat when she opens her mouth. She can drive and drive well, but anger management might help with the rest of it.

I suspect that dad realized that there is a ton of money in NASCAR and that she should run there in an effort to make a very large fortune (like Tony Stewart). It's smart business, but I wonder how the "good ol' boy" network will handle her? I think NASCAR is more ready for her now than they were 10 years ago, but I still have to wonder how that might play out. If nobody will draft with you, you will not get very far on many tracks. It would be intersting to follow (not that I'll watch the races, but I'd be curious to see how it worked out). When was the last female driver in NASCAR?

Shawna Robinson not that long ago (2001, 2002???), but she never had good equipment. I remember a race I saw with her in it and Bobby Labonte's car had more power on 7 cylinders than hers did on 8. Her husband worked on Dale Jr's pit crew IIRC. Before that you had Patty Moise (spelling?) and her Husband Elton Sawyer who in the mid 90's both raced in Cup IIRC. There are more, but I'd have to pull my books out.



I agree that's a lot of it but I've never bought one of those magazines nor have I ever owned a girls/cars calendar. I probably find it every bit as annoying as women do. In fact I may have just found a topic for my "Women in American Culture" class I'm in right now.

That said I'll be shocked if she moves to NASCAR. It would be interesting however, since she would be unlike any other female driver in NASCAR.

Danica best spend a year or two racing Busch series before venturing into Cup. I wonder the same thing about JPM. If they get out there and don't know what they're doing, they'll have no respect from the regulars and it will be very hard to "break in"

Tony did this and look at his success. Would he have been as successful if he was arrogant enough to assume there was no learning curve and jumped straight into Cup? Prolly would have washed out like so many others (Scott Pruett?).

I'll say Boris Said is taking the long way but the right way getting into Nascar full time.

Ahh, thanks Rob. I don't watch NASCAR races (I just forget they are on, I'll watch 15 minutes and then go do something else when I do see them on) so I have little grasp of the history because I was never really aware of it. I couldn't remember any, but it appears that there have been more than a few. It's sad that they didn't get competitive rides (which is most of the battle). I'd love to see more females doing well in racing. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be there and running up front/winning. It's been studied that women are more analytical and less impulsive than men (if I remember my psychology correctly) which should make them better on the track than we are, and most of them are lighter than we are, but that's not always true.

So are fat chicks not as capable or what??


NASCAR has evolved into a marketing machine back in the day, the identity centered on the badge--Chevy, Ford, Mopar and I think that was my favorite time. "Win on Sunday - Sell on Monday" I would have a hard time telling you what Elliot Sadler drove at Chicago. Now the marketing centers on the driver's and I think that was a savvy move.


I think I need a sandwich ---

It's all about the money. I used to watch every race, now I watch fewer and fewer as NASCAR gets more and more commercialized. Next year I will watch fewer races as they will not have any start times sooner than 2:00PM EST to accommodate the West Coast and try and get East Coast people to stay right on the couch for their Primetime lineups.....which means your whole Sunday will be pretty much shot.

Duh, posted in the other thread before I even saw this one. Anyway, I hope Danica stays in IRL, but I have a nasty suspicion she'll end up in NASCAR as that's where the big money is. She does come off as being somewhat arrogant at times, but I really think she just likes driving fast. I saw another interview with her recently, and they asked about who drove on the street. She said she usually let's her husband drive because she gets enough driving time at the track. She did say that when she drives on the street she does drive fast (10, 15, 20 over, she kept raising it ). I've also heard her say she didn't like slow driver's, but then I don't either (Americans have no lane discipline).

I didn't say that. I like a girl who can throw me around......


One of the IRL guys was complaining that Danica had an advantage since she was so light, that wasn't too long ago either......



Yea, Virginia and Ohio are among the worst about that. People refuse to move out of the left lane. They come off of an exit ramp, take 3 lanes and drive 60 in a 65. Usually in some giant SUV. They usually manage to frustrate me after a few miles and I'm forced to pass them on the right (I really hate doing that). If people had a clue, it would be better, I agree. But her attitude is beyond that in my opinion.

I think she is very assertive and focused and that sometimes makes her appear arrogant. Also the fact that she has no personality once so ever doesn't help. I saw her a few times when she was hosting Spike TV's Power Block and she acted like a robot it was really freaky. I think Spike Tv realized that and they change host to the lady that used to be in Overhauling. Much better host although she is in the other side of the spectrum and can be a bit obnoxious.

In her FHM spread, she said (rough quote, though it may be exact) "I use my horn more in one day than most people do in a lifetime". That's not arrogant, that's immature/spoiled brat. But what do I know???? I'd expect more of a professional, that's all.

Maybe it's her superior reflexes. I never have time to use my horn, I'm plenty busy just passing them in the grass......

I was just having this conversation with a friend. I don't think NASCAR has a 'good ol' boy' network anymore (or at least it is much smaller now than it ever was). If the 'good ol' boys' were still running the show do you think Toyota would be fielding a team? Especially teams that included Darrel Waltrip and Dale Jarrett in some form or another. Both of those guys came up through the 'old school' good ol' boy days. If they can accept Toyota, then I think the rest of the NASCAR posse can accept a female driver.

Like you said, it's just smart business.

Cool! I'd love to see a copy of that paper!

Rob can post it and we can help edit it here......

Obviously a powerpoint is going to be needed to supplement the presentation.

Actually, Erin Crocker is doing fairly well in NASCAR at the moment. AND she's kept her clothes on. Erin is in a truck right now, and has run some Busch and ARCA races. What chaps my butt about Danica is the "I'm faster than the boys...get used to it" tee's and such. Like I told a friend, "Danica has won the same number of IRL races I have. None. And I don't even race." So enough of her PR campaign.

"fairly well" is a relative term. She's 23rd in truck points with no wins, top 5s or top 10s.

She ran good in last week's ARCA race until she got into a wreck. She was running 2nd when I flipped by on Speed channel.

And Danica is 12th in points, with 4 top ten finishes. In any event, I'm looking forward to seeing all the changes in NASCAR.

who's next to bite the dust ?
Schumacher into Cart series.

Kevin.....your choice of "motorsports literature" explains a lot.....

As far as Danica in NASCAR....it is a match made in heaven.....or at least Vince McMahon's office....I MEAN the France Families office ....since NASCRAP is nothing more than ENTERTAINMENT on wheels....it follows that they would look for the next father managed brat that could be MARKETED into $$$$ for NASCAR ala a road racing Jessica Simpson.....EVERYDAY, NASCRAP sinks to new lows....I just wonder when racing fans will wake up and turn the crap off....then I realize how populare the WWE is in America and forget about it.....














I used to respect Danica, until the whole idea of her moving on at a time where she seems to be going BACKWARDS in IRL.....she needs to complete what she started THERE before moving on anywhere......anything else is just USING her sex/looks....and that is the easy way out IMHO....

I think Danica will do well in NASCAR, full bodied cars are a lot more forgiving when you run into things than open wheeled cars are. Look at it this way, she'll never have to worry about finishing DFL, she'll always have the Viagra car behind her. Announcer comments will take on a whole new dimension, will they be able to say she's tight on entry or a little loose in the rear end?

I could go on but it's just too easy. I still think that she's the luckiest woman driver ever, stalling her car in the pit box, running into another car warming up the tires and taking the nose off hers, and still finishing 4th at Indy due to pit startegy and fuel economy. I'm just disgusted with the media attention focused on her and I can't figure out why. At her Indy debut 2 years ago I really wanted to puke at how much ABC's coverage was focused on her. I'm sure if she makes the move to NASCAR she'll have a sweet sponsorship deal and funding for the team won't be a problem.

A friend had the issue and said "here, read this". So I did..... unfortunately. And I still don't think she's that cute and I've seen her in person from a distance of less than 5 feet (and not wearing a driving suit). I was at the CART "Town Hall" meeting that they held here in Columbus a few years ago.

I can't say I read much motorsports anything these days. I let my subscription to Grassroots Motorsports lapse (I put in for the free copy that renews your subscription about 2 years ago and never heard from them). I don't read Car Craft, Hot Rod, or much else. I do sometimes read Motor Trend and Car and Driver, but only when my friend is done and sends me his back issues. Sadly, Hot Rod and all can only do so many articles on how to degree a cam and they all sound alike. After many years of reading them, the only things I'd like to see now are the reviews on AFR heads, an LS1/2 cam test, etc but I don't ever look to see what's in them these days unless the cover catches me and I buy a random issue.

I guess I need to start reading motorsports literature.

As I commented above, being a guy has a lot to do with this! It is ironic that any guy is puzzled or poed about the results (Danica's publicity) of men treating women as sex objects and mixing classic cars or motorsport into this. Just what portion of this media coverage do you think is for folks (men and women) being genuinely happy for her success and what portion is for just men doing the car calendar girl thing? You guys have been bought and sold willingly for this stuff, so pulleeasse don't complain!

....it was a joke....







If my wife would let me.....I would have a subscription to FHM!

Can't agree with ya more Julie! That mentality is what keeps the NASCAR machine going as well....

There was no bigger fan of Danica than me a year ago.....and I am no starry eyed weekend and holiday race fan. I saw her as a vehicle to resurect open wheel racing in the eyes of the public....and she has done that to a degree. And, I also ALWAYS root for the underdog....and she CERTAINLY was that. I was aware of the "over-hyping" of her because of her sex, and just hoped that she would be THE ONE that had enough talent to overcome THE HYPE. My hope now would be she would buckle down, and grit her teeth, and finsh what she started in IRL....ie work her ass off and give a full season all she has and try to get the crown...not that she hasn't worked hard already, but she has room to grow in IRL....moving now to NASCAR and all its "riches" while some would say ".....who can blame her....look at the money/opportunity...." (see my comments in the other JPM into NASCAR thread).....IMHO that would be the easy way out.....

....then again....better drivers than her have made that "mistake" time and time again so "what can I expect..."

I know it was.....

My wife would let me, but I don't have one. I used to read Maxim and Stuff as well. But I realized that I never actually read them , so I let those lapse as well (it's been a few years....or so).

Yes Jules, we asked for it. It's unfortunate in some ways. I was hoping she'd (Danica) pull it off. I was also pulling for Sarah Fisher to win Indy and Lyn St. James 2nd (or vice versa) a few years ago. It just frustrates me that Sarah Fisher gets little press because she's not 5'1" and 98 lbs. It doesn't make her any less of a driver or worthy of press (in my opinion), but it sure seems to in someones eyes. I was glad to see her in a commercial or two in the not too distant past, but I still feel that she got slighted to some extent. With that said, I'd have to look at the stats on her and Danica to see how far off I am (if I am). I think Danica has had some better results, but I think she's got better equipment as well. It's not the whole story, but it helps.

...they ACTUALLY print WORDS in those mags....

Dang if I could find 'em.....

They could have saved money by making each issue about 12 pages long.....

Edit:

The female announcer on the local radio station just asked if "you like Nascar". And went on to mention seeing a little brunette, a total babe, who's not in nascar now, but wants to make the switch. Then they plugged their contest for the brickyard 400 and said "this is your chance to go see the babe".

It's starting already......

I was also hoping Sarah would get a better shake. The last I heard she was out running a feeder NASCAR series out west (CMC West champ Don Campbell runs, that's how I found out). Another gal who has talent is Kathryn Legge (Brit), I think she is running Formula Atlantic. Neither of these talented drivers has the shot of a young guy or cute female driver. Older guys trying don't get a fair shot either... the best man at our wedding got an invite to be the driver for a drag racing team. His talent was not in question. When the team management found out his age, late 30s, they pulled the plug. Funny in motorsport that is considered old. Have they heard of Paul Newman? Out west I had the priviledge, until he moved back east, of driving with Don Trask, now aged 71 (and still driving, he will be at the Nats). He routinely kicked my butt!

What a machine it is that propels the sport we love...it ain't fair and it discrimates because it is simply out to make a buck the easiest way possible.

Well that was shot down last week I couldn't find anyone interested. In fact a couple laughs , but hey if they want to be ignorant that is their problem. I mentioned how some people like to hate and criticize female drivers that are bold and assertive as arrogant. Hello...all sucessful race car drivers are arrogant and proud of themselves and we hardly make mention of it usually. You could apply that to most any successful athelete. I don't think the playing field is as level in motorsports as it is in traditional sports, but I could be wrong.

I'm going to break a rule here and mention this:

Last night our professor (mid 50's second wave feminism female) said that a pregnant woman should be free to smoke, drink alcohol, and do drugs during pregnancy. She said none of that has been proven to harm a fetus (smoking alcohol DRUGS). It's extremists like this that hurt women's rights movements and make them all look like wacko's. Any attempt to say a woman can't do these things is a form of social control and violates her rights according to the professor I have. *sigh*

And your paper didn't fly in her class?

Actually she's running Champ Car this year. The announcers are trying to build her up as the answer to Danica, but unfortunately she's running with a backmarker team..... Interesting thing about Kathryn is that she actually won races (3 for that matter) in the Atlantics, whereas Danica didn't win any.

I'm hoping to see Champ Car and IRL get back together, and let the ladies fight it out on the track.

Kathryn vs. Danica, now that would be cool!

Danica is now signed with Andretti Green Racing to continue indy cars according to ESPN tonight. Good move!

....agreed!......

I can put her in touch with my Social worker wife who can explain fetal alcohol syndrome and the various "crack babies" that are born addicted that they get to deal with on a semi regular basis. She's crossed the line from feminist to crack pot, or it's looking that way.



Cage match? Champ cars on a lonely canyon road? Showdown at high noon? (jello wrestling?....sorry, just had to)

I could go on.....





but I won't......

jello wrestling?

i'm for one glad she didnt go to nascar... I don't think she would do any better than shawn robinson (she too had very good equipment and crew)

Howdy,



I'm just waiting for the part where she gets press & sponsorship for driving well and not for having tits.

http://danicapatrickpictures.com/thumbnails.php?album=6

While the attention is natural, I can't help but remember the other women racers I've seen (mostly in the motorcycle racing world, just because that's what I've followed). By and large the ones that were willing to do racy photos/pose nude/whatever faded out of view shortly thereafter. Seems like it helps the short term sponsorship and ride issues but probably hurts the long term ones?

Seems like she drives pretty well and all, but there are a crapload of people that drive pretty well. Its probably good she didn't go to NASCAR just because everyone there is good and she might not have come off well in comparison.

Mark

well only time will tell... I'm all for her doing well - It would be very nice to see a woman finally do well in the sport of auto racing besides drag...

Mark,

She doesn't have tits. Did you look at the photos?????

DOH!

Autoweek has reported that she was upset that Bobby Rahal was spending too much time watching his son Graham race in the Atlantics, and that was affecting the leadership at Rahal / Letterman Racing. Lets think about that:

1 - it is his son, and

2 - he's winning races in the Atlantics (3 this year so far)

Maybe she should go run Atlantics?