St. Patrick: Danica's Win Generating Buzz At Track Box Offices

Patrick's Victory Helping Boost Buzz, Ticket Sales At Other IRL Races

IS NASCAR NEXT? Patrick said that she “still has something to prove in Indy Cars … before she’d even consider NASCAR.” In Toronto, Dean McNulty writes Patrick also has made it clear she "treasures her private time, something she has been able to do in the IRL, but knows she would have to give up the freedom” with the 39-week NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule from February through November. But Patrick is “driven by competition and as soon as the talk starts about whether she could handle the boys from [NASCAR], just watch her want to prove them wrong, too” (TORONTO SUN, 4/24). SMI President & COO Humpy Wheeler said a “number of people have talked to her (about coming to NASCAR). But right now she’s comfortable where she is. And this is a big jump, as we know.” Wheeler added Patrick is “not scared of NASCAR. She’s got it made where she is. Why change?” (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL, 4/23). NASCAR Scene's Jeff Owens, in a special to FOXSPORTS.com, wrote moving to NASCAR "would be a colossal mistake, one that could possibly destroy everything that Patrick has built and earned on her way to the top of the Indy car world.” As Juan Pablo Montoya and Dario Franchitti have found, winning in "lightweight Indy cars is one thing; winning in heavy, souped-up stock cars is quite another.” Though Patrick “could still be a hit on marketing appeal alone, her star could quickly fade if she makes the move and struggles for an extended period” (FOXSPORTS.com, 4/22).

Patrick Stops By CBS' "Late Show" During Media Tour

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Patrick last night appeared on CBS’ “Late Show” with David Letterman and when she walked on-stage, the band played “Used to Be My Girl,” a reference to Patrick formerly being part of Rahal Letterman Racing. CBS' David Letterman: “You drove for Bobby Rahal and myself for a couple of years. That was great fun, and Indianapolis was very exciting, and then what happened? You went away.” Patrick: “You weren’t around enough.” When asked what people say when she gets recognized in public, Patrick replied, “Not much, honestly. I’m not very famous” (CBS, 4/23). Patrick also appeared on CBS' "The Early Show" and ABC's "The View" this morning (THE DAILY).

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