CUP: JR Motorsports Interested In Danica Patrick

Sprint Cup

CUP: JR Motorsports Interested In Danica Patrick

JR Motorsports says that the team is interested in Danica Patrick...

Bob Pockrass | http://www.scenedaily.com | Posted October 06, 2009 Charlotte, NC

It's likely that IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick will compete in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race sooner or later. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

JR Motorsports is interested in putting IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick in a Nationwide car, team general manager Kelley Earnhardt said Monday.

Patrick is expected to sign a contract to continue racing full time in the Indy Racing League, but she has said she also is interested in NASCAR. Two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart said he expects Patrick to come to NASCAR at some point and expects her to dabble in the sport in the next few years to help with the transition. She has visited several NASCAR shops.

Patrick working with JR Motorsports would be no surprise as she is a GoDaddy.com spokesperson and JRM had sponsorship from GoDaddy.com this year for Brad Keselowski and team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr.

That sponsorship primarily will go to Hendrick Motorsports next year with the Cup car of Mark Martin.

“JR Motorsports is exploring the opportunity with Danica Patrick in NASCAR,” Kelley Earnhardt said in a statement. “There is a natural fit at JRM with Dale Jr. and Danica both serving as spokespersons for GoDaddy.com.

“As a female managing one of the top Nationwide Series teams in the sport, I would be excited to have Danica within the JR Motorsports fold if she decides to enter the world of NASCAR.”

Patrick, who has one career IndyCar Series win, is arguably the most notable female driver currently competing on a major racing circuit.

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