NASCAR Nationwide Series
  • Peg It on GarageMonkey
NNS: Changes Ahead For Danica, Andretti?
Danica Patrick is in her second part-time Nationwide Series season...
Robin Miller  |  Posted June 18, 2011   West Allis, WI
Danica Patrick may compete only in NASCAR next year. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Like Danica Patrick, Michael Andretti has his eye on NASCAR but don't jump to conclusions because if either one makes the jump, it won't be a package deal.

Patrick drives for Andretti Autosport in the IZOD IndyCar Series and is thought to be all but signed, sealed and delivered to stock car racing full-time in 2012.

But her ride won't be with Andretti, regardless of whether he tests the NASCAR waters for the first time.

Andretti, whose team competes in IndyCar, Indy Lights and F2000, was asked about branching out into NASCAR during Friday's practice here at State Fair Park.

“We have aspirations to do that, and to do other types of racing as well,'' he said. "We’re in the racing business and we are always looking and keeping our options open. We have irons in the fire in a few different areas.”

Andretti, whose four car Indy team is the largest in the paddock, was also asked about trying to bring his current open-wheel sponsors to NASCAR.

“I think, if you look at guys like Penske, you know, they are using Shell on both sides of it and things like that. If there’s reasons to do it, we’ll do it.”

As for Patrick, the most popular driver in IndyCar the past six years, she's spent the past two seasons moonlighting in the Nationwide series with GO DADDY backing and it's assumed that's going to be her permanent address in 2012 (with a few Cup races thrown in).

NASCAR has never had a strong female racer and most of the IndyCar paddock is resigned to the fact she's gone.

Except IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard.

"Never say never. I really think she's still weighing her options,'' he said. "We don't want to lose her but I'm also realistic and money talks. She has to do what's in the best interest of her career.

"And I also think a lot depends on GO DADDY.''

Asked if IndyCar would get into a bidding war to keep the only woman to ever win an Indy car race, Bernard replied: "No. We have to be fair to everybody and we're not giving money to any driver.

"It's sickening that Dan Wheldon doesn't have a full-time ride and I wish he did but we're not helping him either.''

Where Does Danica Belong Next Year? Should Andretti Try NASCAR? Share Your Thoughts Below.

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.
robin_miller's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robin Miller

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2013

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.