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The speculation is finally over as Danica Patrick made it official today that she has signed with JR Motorsports. In a press conference streamed online at GoDaddy.com, Patrick was joined by GoDaddy CEO Bob Parsons and Kelley Earnhardt, co-owner of JR Motorsports.
Her #7 car sponsored by GoDaddy was unveiled as it was announced that she would run a limited Nationwide Series schedule in 2010. Tony Eury Jr. will join the team as her crew chief.
Patrick begins her first challenge by participating in ARCA Series testing December 18th-20th at Daytona International Speedway. She’ll run her first race at the ARCA season opener on February 6, 2010.
Danica Patrick coupled with Dale Earnhardt Jr and Hendrick Motorsports is a winning combination in anyone’s book. Regardless of how Patrick fares, the resultant media frenzy can only benefit NASCAR who was plagued this past season by sagging ratings.
Kelley Earnhardt is hoping that Danica might be the right person to finally propel JR Motorsports to the next level.
“The success we’ve had with Brad Keselowski and the program with Danica we hope will be stepping stones to prepare us for our ultimate goal – to run in the Cup series,” she said. “Whether it is with Danica or not, it is too soon to tell. But I can tell you that is the place we eventually want to be, in the Cup series.”
For Patrick, the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. She certainly doesn’t need the fame or money and past experience by other open wheel drivers shows us that this won’t be an easy transition.
When asked about her reasons for making this gutsy move, Danica cited the need for a new adventure.
“I’m a naturally competitive person. You can ask anyone. I’m always looking for the next challenge.”
At 27 years old, she became the only woman to win an IndyCar race. Patrick will now have the chance to make a similar impact in NASCAR.
She will indeed face many challenges. Will NASCAR fans embrace her or question her motivation? Can she earn the respect of the other drivers or will they resent her for moving to the front of the line? Will her image fit in with the family atmosphere of NASCAR? Will she be able to adjust to the open accessibility granted to fans and make herself available to them?
Her biggest obstacle, however, will be on the racetrack but Patrick has all the right pieces in place. She’s aligned herself with a team that is used to dealing with a high profile personality and will have the best equipment courtesy of HMS.
Only time will tell if Danica Patrick has what it takes to make it in NASCAR but one thing is certain. The media will be there to document each step along the way as she begins this journey.
