A Relaxed Danica Patrick? Believe It

by Diecast Dude, Special To NASCAR commentary and driver pictures, 2011 NASCAR schedule, video, Bench Racing With Steve and Charlie

October 8, 2010 3:14 pm EDT 2 Comments

Danica Patrick is seldom thought of as the most easy-going of individuals. Intense and tightly wound to the point of being sometimes self-defeating, yes. However, as evidenced in today’s press conference at Auto Club Speedway, Patrick can indeed let her hair down. Figuratively, at least, since she wa wearing it in his usual race weekend ponytail.

Patrick was twenty-fifth fastest in this morning’s Nationwide practice. Normally, that would drive her batty. Instead, she was calm throughout. She related the story of how her experience in IRL learning how to not beat herself up in terms of her performance at road courses when measured against the likes of Dario Franchitti has taught her to accept that success in NASCAR, given how few races she has run in stock cars, will not be quickly achieved.

Patrick exhibited something many have missed in her over the years, namely a sense of humor. During a lengthy answer concerning her expectations, she apologized for putting the assembled press to sleep.

When asked what her goals were for the remainder of the season, Patick responded it remained the same as it was when the year started, namely a top fifteen finish. Given her expressed comfort with Auto Club Speedway, noting how she enjoyed its two-mile length, it’s not altogether unlikely tomorrow could result in such a finish.

Filed under: Auto Club Speedway, Danica Patrick

Digg This | Save to del.icio.us

Comments

2 Responses to “A Relaxed Danica Patrick? Believe It”

Clance' on October 8th, 2010 3:26 pm

Danica is much more realistic and honest in self evaluating now, than she was in Feb. It’s nice to see her humble. Humble is teachable.
I have always thought she was hilarious. Her comment “I bleed for seven days a month and don’t die. How many men can say that?” remains one of my favorite quotes to this day.
Charlie Turner on October 8th, 2010 9:21 pm

I was in the media center at Michigan in August for Patrick’s pre-race presser and I felt the same vibe as you Jerry. She is very professional and sincere in her honest answers to questions that she MUST be tired of answering. I could see a top 15 at ACS. She’ll need a bit of luck - just like all the other driver/team combos who aren’t in the expected top ten. I’m pulling for her. Its a more interesting NASCAR-world with her in it.

Got something to say?

Did you know you can log in with your Thunder Lounge account, and have your personal avatar and site link available when you comment at On Pit Row?

Don't have an account yet? Sign-up for free.