With Danica Patrick’s driving days possibly "nearing an end in the not-too-distant future," her fitness project and clothing line are "being fast-tracked into something far bigger," according to Jenna Fryer of the AP. Patrick had more than 700 participants involved in a trial program where they "sent in 'before' pictures of themselves and were given access to Patrick’s 12-week fitness and 'clean eating' program." The results, "including 'after' photos, will be part" of a book Patrick is working on. She "developed the workouts and meal plans for the book." Patrick also launched the clothing line "Warrior by Danica Patrick" on HSN after "participating in the design process." Patrick, who turned 35 last month, is "building her brand along the journey and using a marketing strategy that has made her one of the most recognized female athletes in the world despite her limited on-track success." It has been a "popular thought for some time that Patrick eventually would make the transition to a lifestyle career, maybe becoming some version of a Rachael Ray type." Patrick appears "capable of doing pretty much anything." Fryer: "Is carving out a space in the lucrative health and fitness business where she ultimately wants to be?" Patrick: "Sure. If I’m going to do all this and write a cookbook and a fitness program, I’ll take this as far as I can to motivate people to be successful. The program works. I know it works" (AP, 4/16).
