Danica Patrick Retiring As Full-Time Driver; Could Have Role With NBC

Danica Patrick on Friday announced this will be her "last season as a full-time driver," though she plans to drive in next year's Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 (Mult., 11/17). Patrick has been "working on putting together 'The Danica Double' over the last three weeks." She did not reveal "who she will drive for in either race next year, but the Indianapolis contender would be Chip Ganassi Racing" (AP, 11/17).

Meanwhile, Patrick "is in talks with NBC Sports to potentially join the network in the coming months." She served as a pit reporter for FS1 "during an Xfinity Series race broadcast in June, one of several current NASCAR drivers to be part of the broadcast" (USATODAY.com, 11/17).