Danica Patrick's decision to drive full-time in NASCAR’s Nationwide Series next season “leaves a big void in IndyCar,” according to John Marshall of the AP. The series “has made some big strides under the direction of CEO Randy Bernard,” but for all the successes IndyCar has had, Patrick is “still possibly the sport's biggest star -- certainly it's most recognizable -- and losing her will likely put a dent in the sport's momentum" (AP, 8/26). In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin wrote Patrick’s departure from IndyCar “remains a big setback for the sport,” as there “might be another star in the future, but there won’t be another Danica Patrick” (INDYSTAR.com, 8/25). SPEEDTV.com’s Jimmy Spencer wrote IndyCar “suffers a stinging blow with her leaving that they’re not exactly equipped to take.” Spencer: “I don’t think it will put them out of business, but it definitely will hurt that series’ popularity” (SPEEDTV.com, 8/25). In Toronto, Dean McNulty noted those that “would believe that the IZOD IndyCar series will be better off without Patrick must not have been paying attention when less than 10,000 fans showed up this season at Milwaukee and New Hampshire with Patrick on the grid.” McNulty: “You have to wonder how many will show up next season when she isn’t there” (TORONTO SUN, 8/25).
NOT ALL BAD NEWS: SPEEDTV.com’s Robin Miller wrote it “will certainly be a blow to one group and a boon to another, but it’s not going to alter the landscape as much as you might think.” Patrick’s presence “hasn’t been box office magic for IndyCar lately.” Going back to Milwaukee and New Hampshire this season “sprouted no DanicaMania to speak of and tons of empty seats.” The ratings are “moderately better on Versus in 2011 and pretty stagnant on ABC so it’s not like must-watch TV when she’s running.” The “media horde that descended on her from 2005 to 2008 has pretty much vanished.” Miller: “She still gets her share of attention but nobody goes out of the way anymore. ... The novelty of a competitive female racer hasn’t necessarily worn off but, with Simona de Silvestro’s emergence, it’s become more of a sub head than a blaring headline” (SPEEDTV.com, 8/25). SI.com’s Dustin Long wrote there are “few other drivers” in IndyCar “with any name recognition.” While racing fans “know who these drivers are, outsiders see that guy who won that dance competition and that's about it.” Patrick's departure “can be a positive for the sport because it allows drivers such as Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Will Power, Helio Castroneves (that dance competition guy) and Tony Kanaan to no longer be weighed down by Patrick's aura.” The question is if Bernard “can get more people to watch this series” (SI.com, 8/25).
