Chip Ganassi Racing Reportedly Considering Signing Patrick

Patrick's Contract With AGR Expires At End Of Season

ADDED BOOST: AD AGE's Rich Thomaselli noted Patrick by moving to NASCAR "could likely open new avenues of sponsorship" for the circuit, "either with female-oriented products or bring to NASCAR her current agreements with such companies as GoDaddy.com and Boost Mobile." Some experts also believe that such a move "could bring in $50[M] in fresh sponsorship money, not to mention the ripple effect her popularity would have on TV ratings and at-track attendance." Millsport President of Motorsports Torrey Galida: "Danica would undoubtedly be a big story for NASCAR. I wouldn't necessarily classify her as a 'savior,' but she would certainly generate a huge amount of interest. She is a star. Danica's star power would be great for the sport." NASCAR Dir of Business Communications Andrew Giangola said Patrick "certainly draws a lot of attention." Giangola: "Any sport benefits from an athlete who the press finds interesting and worthy of coverage." But Galida added, "I think there is definitely a risk to her brand. Like all sports, NASCAR is a performance-based sport. I think she'll have a fairly long honeymoon period, but, eventually, she'll have to perform" (ADAGE.com, 6/9).

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