Danica Patrick has found the going tough so far in NASCAR. (Photo: Getty Images)

Of course, it wasn’t all bad.

“Despite some frustrating days, there were certainly some highlights,’’ Patrick noted. “After a tough month of May at Indianapolis, race day came around and we made the most of what we had. We made up 17 spots during the day and drove to a sixth-place finish.

“As badly as I want to win Indy, this wasn’t going to be the year. Nobody really had anything for (Indy winner) Dario Franchitti, and … I think we made the most of what we had.’’

The next week at Texas was even better for Patrick.

“All things considered, it was probably not only the best race of my season but probably also the best oval race of my career,’’ she said. “We were strong all weekend and in the race. We ran in the top five the whole time. And I really managed my car well in Texas (in finishing second to Ryan Briscoe).’’

She noted that a strong finish to the season built some momentum for next year.

“We ran fifth in Japan and then won a tough battle with Tony Kanaan to finish second at Homestead,’’ Patrick explained. “Like I said, it’s been a tough year and it’s been very frustrating at times, but the last two races were a nice way to end the season.’’

Patrick said the most important thing was that everybody on her team stayed focused and kept digging hard throughout the year.

“We revised things as we went along,’’ She said. “We said, `This isn’t working for us; what do we need to do to improve?’ And, we adapted.

Driving the No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com entry, Danica Patrick scored her first top 5 of the season at Texas Motor Speedway, and her first since Richmond late last June. (Photo: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

“It’s what you need to do as a team,’’ Patrick said. “And, my engineers, my mechanics, they all kept their confidence in me. And they did a fantastic job.’’

Next season could be a watershed year for Patrick. She needs to get back to being a week-in, week-out competitor in IndyCar and to keep improving in NASCAR.

At 28 years old, Patrick still has time to get the job done in both arenas. It should be fun to watch.