Angry Race Fan

It is nearly official, word has it that Danica Patrick has signed a 3 year contract with Andretti Green Racing and will hence stay in the Indy Racing League.  This is without question, in my mind, the best decision she could have made. 

There were, of course, many rumors that she would stay in the IRL but would move to a different team.  It would have been better than Christmas to see her land with Ganassi, but alas this in the end was not in the cards.  As Brady, my fellow Angry Race Fan blogger, pointed out tome.  It would be very difficult for The Chipper to part with his current rosters (2008 & 2009 Series Champions) and although adding a third car wold be worth doing I’m sure it’s not worth as much to Chip as keeping her in-house is to Michael Andretti.  She’s not only a media and sponsor magnet she’s now AGR’s top performer.  (Sorry TK, you’re awesome, but da facts is da facts.)  Hence the cards fell in place and a deal was struck.

The other rumors of her defecting to NASCAR were at best self-seeded bargaining chips to bump up her Indy Car value.  Unfortunately my money says she will end up in tin tops some day anyway.  I think at this point it’s just a matter of time.  That’s fine, I’ve accepted it at this point.  But both Dan-Dan (that’s what I like to call her) and I know that now is not the time to fry that chicken.

Why? you say.  Well she is way more than just a swimsuit model.  She is a damn good race car driver.  Those of us who know that understand that she can win races and at least become a championship contender, if not a champion.  The move to AGR appeared to be a a step in the right direction until the team’s performance hit the crapper shortly after her arrival.  What was once a power house going toe to toe with Penske and Ganassi was relegated to fighting for the best positions behind them along with NHLand KV Racing.  An improvement at AGR is bound to show results for her but not as quickly as a move to Penske or Ganassi would have.

She’s still very young and has time to mature, grow, and win.  Once she is consistently finishing at the top and winning races in Indy Car then NASCAR will not only coming knocking but they will probably kick in the door (I bet they don’t ask if she’s decent first either!).  She’ll most likely answer the door in a towel and will cash in big time!

Go get ‘em Dan-Dan!  Since the first time I saw you racing Barber Dodge in Cleveland I had a feeling we’d be watching you for a long time to come.