Editor’s Note: After a couple of weeks of traveling this great land, John “Dawg” Chapman is back in the house. Now, while his assessment of Danica Patrick in NASCAR is politically incorrect, not sexist (we don’t do that here. It’s just an honest take by a longtime racing participant and fan on the hype over the “Go Daddy Girl.”
It seems like every time Danica’s IRL contract comes up, we get flooded with stories speculating about her plans, hinting that she is considering jumping to NASCAR, or F-1. OOOOK, I’d love to see that one happen! Anyway, this time, there could be a little fire behind the smoke.
This started me thinking about just why NASCAR seems to want her so badly. Some things seem pretty obvious. If you go to her “official website” it seems to be as much about marketing as racing. The first photo one sees is a glamor shot. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against glamor. in fact I probably appreciate it as much as the next guy. She can look glamorous, sexy, or cute. Depending on what the occasion calls for, and it definitely sells.
Sarah Fisher, bless her heart, if she could look like that- she’s probably be riding around in first class equipment, rather than the ragtag, under-financed operation she’s been able to put together.
The biggest thing, it seems to me, that Danica would bring to the table would be an avalanche of publicity. With the current state things in general- and NASCAR, in particular- this would have to be a very good thing. We all know that all big time racing is sponsor driven. The most deserving prospects don’t always get the rides, or at least the good rides. No doubt if she
decided to come to Cup that she could command a top ride.
If, and bear in mind this is just an example, the announcement were made that say she would be in a Childress car for Daytona next year, there’s not a doubt in my mind that the TV numbers would be huge. How many were watching to see her fall on her cute little butt would be open to debate, but no one in NASCAR, or TV land really care WHY people watch. Only that
they do. Would she bring in the women viewers? Maybe, but I think if I were a woman, maybe a little on the chunky side, working at the convenience store, I’d hate her, but that’s just me. If they REALLY wanted to bring in the gals, maybe they need to locate some hunk that looks like he’d be right at home with the Chippendales, promote him in a Speedo and bow tie. You get the picture.
The increase in numbers would help all companies who invest in Cup, not only the ones on her car. This would, in and of itself, be a good thing. I just don’t know how long it would last, if she were to run as I expect she would. If she were to run Cup, even with some tune up races in ARCA, and NNS, I think it would still be more of a novelty act.
Back in the early days of TV in our area (yes, I’m that old), my grandfather was a wrestling fan. They frequently had novelty acts on the card. One of the women was always an Indian Princess. It didn’t occur to me until years later that if Indians didn’t have kings, and queens, then they probably didn’t have princesses either, but it’s all really just hype. If NASCAR really feels it needs a novelty act, why not go all the way? Another staple of the wrestling card were the dwarfs. Anyone watch Little People, Big World on Discovery? I love Matt Roloff, he’s a genuine car guy, tooling around in his hopped up VW Bug. Nah, I suppose that would be too much of a stretch, but damn it would be fun.
Seriously,I really would love to see a competitive female driver, I’m just not sure it’s ever going to be Danica. My hope is that Chrissy Wallace will be the one, but time will tell.
If I were a team owner, and wanted to go that route, I think I’d be looking seriously at Milka Duno. I know what you’re going to say! She’s been a speed bump in the IRL since she’s been there. That’s true, but she’s been in a backmarker car the entire time. She’s every bit as good looking as Danica, if that’s the criteria, and it certainly doesn’t seem to hurt. She just hasn’t
exploited it like Danica has. She’s very smart, her advanced degrees prove that, and was a solid driver in Sports Cars. If they were in comparable cars, I think she would show as good as Danica, if not better.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
With the current state of the sport, Danica coming to NA$CAR would only provide “laughing stock” publicity. After the initial hoopla, her true driving abilities will be revealed, NA$CAR will once again be revealed as the money grubbing Show it has become, and what ratings are left will drop off the radar. Good for NA$CAR? I think not. Even worse for the fans.
Chrissy Wallace is, after all, Steven’s sister. Don’t expect much there.
And “Milk and Donuts”? You can’t be serious. Give her top quality equipment and she’ll be a speed bump starting in the front. IRL dodge ball.
Sarah Fisher is absolutely the most deserving female driver out there today. Doing whatever it takes to race, that’s the true essence of the sport. She deserves more than Danica and Milka combined.
Off topic, I think JJ needs to pull a Tiger. Unlike Tiger, he may actually benefit from the publicity. Vanilla with a little chocolate sauce.
@Mike. Just to clarify- Steven is Rusty’s son, Chrissy is Mike’s daughter, so they’re cousins. That aside, you may have some points, though I’ll bet Chandi’s backswing isn’t as good as Elin’s.
Yep, I’m serious as a heart attack. Danica, can usually be found running around 7th. With comparable equipment I think Milka could do that well. We’re not talking contending for wins here.
Chrissy is Steven’s Cousin. If she were his sister she might have a better shot, as Rusty has deeper pockets than Mike. Tho probably not deep enough to make a racer out of Steve.
Off topic, it didn’t seem to do too much for Mikey, & he tried it twice.
Yup, realized my mistake about Chrissy as soon as I posted but decided to leave it alone. But if Steven keeps tearing up equipment the way he is, Rusty may decide to “adopt” Chrissy just to preserve those deep pockets.
Forget Danica. I have a better plan to attract fans to Nascar.
Wanna hear it?
I knew you did, so here it is:
Nascar loves Vegas now, so why not go all the way?
Allow fans to legally bet on races at the tracks (it’s gonna happen at Kansas, you’ll see).
Let them bet on race winners and the Chase Champ, the Chase lineup. Let fans place a trifecta of car numbers, you cars win, place, and show you get some cash…
Fans could bet on when JR will/if he’ll win his next race, if JJ wins five in a row, when Kyle Busch throws his next temper tantrum, when Denny and Brad smash into each other. Fans could place wagers on when cautions will come up, on how many cautions there will be, when the phantom cautions will appear, on what drivers will lead laps, who will lead the most laps, etc…
Fans could even bet on qualifying, the pole winner, etc. etc. etc.
Or wagers on how many times Ryan Newman (or another driver) will flip at Talladega, crashes in general or when the “Big One” will happen. There could be bets on which car will be the first to park after starting, etc.
There could even be special lottery tickets printed up with “their” driver on the ticket and if you hold that ticket you win what he wins.
There could be bets on rain or fastest pit stops or how many donuts the winner does, etc.
The possibilities of endless and fans would have a rooting interest in the results…
AND
To bring it all back to Danica, there could be bets on when or if she comes to Nascar, how many laps she leads or loses, what track she makes her debut on, gets her first win or wreck on, when or if she throws a temper tantrum, etc. etc. etc.
Gambling could be really good for Nascar–it would add fan interest which equals more ad dollars and revenue.
And we know how Nascar loves that stuff, right?
So far, it’s been nothing but hype and talking about marketing and branding. We have yet to hear word one from her about how she’ll stack up against other drivers. We haven’t heard a single about her competiveness. Until she actually puts on a firesuit and helmet and runs some laps during an actual race, it’s nothing but gum flapping.
Sarah Fisher should be the one moving over. She’s got the guts, grit, and determination. You don’t hear her talking about marketing and branding. She talks racing.
NA$CAR had lots of opportunities in the past to bring in female drivers. But like ethnic minorities, they missed the boat. Their last attempt at Texas with Shawna Robinson and her all female pit crew was a farce and an embarassment. Talk about a PR stunt that backfired.
Until Danica is actually running laps in a stock car during a race, I’ll keep snoozing.
Dawg,
This is one of the few times I agree with just about all you said in a article. Danica might be a asset for NASCAR at first but in the long run more than likely she will be a liability.
And just so you’ll know, nothing irritates me more than to hear one of my friends pick a favorite driver “coz OMG he’s soooo kewt!!” But I really don’t think Danica being attractive would be a point of contention for most serious female fans.
Danica has always gotten by on looks and not talent..even pre-irl racing she wasnt known as a big talent,so i believe ratings will go up for a race or two due to the “circus factor” heck..i might even end my self imposed boycott of nascar which reached 3 races at end of chase just see if she beats up kyle busch during a hissy fit..nawwww..i doubt it..i’ll most likely continue my boycott..nascar dosnt get my eyes or dollars anymore until they actually go back to actual racing and not WWE antics(am not holding my breath)
Danica’s that hot chick that shows a lot of skin on those Go Daddy commercials right? Now you’re telling me she also races in the IRL. Go figure. I’m all for her coming to NASCAR if they can figure out how to turn a bikini into a firesuit.
@ JJ
I like your plan. What’s the over/under on Jr?
NASCAR is noted for cutting to the bottom line. I can’t wait to play in their Casino.
@ MM, & Mike
We’re in total agreement about Sarah.
@ Jackie
Damn Girl, If your in total agreement with me, you better check your hole card. One of us is slipping…..LOL
@ Rob
I also missed the last 3 races. Not because of a boycott, I just had better things to do. You can’t fool me. The fact that we’re still here in the off season shows we’re still hooked.
@ Bill B.
I think you’re on to something with the Firesuit. Of course they’d have to put her in a convertable, but it’s been done.
When Nascar guys get out of their cars after testing or practice they are communicating with their crew chiefs about many technical aspects regarding power and handling. Many started out on local tracks and worked theit way up paying their dues. This egotistical twit is going to get behind the wheel part time and be competitive? No way, Jose. Another thing, I think Milka makes Danica look like a stray dog.
Back in the 60’s drivers had boycotted NASCAR for a few reasons. Better at track conditions (better bathrooms etc), a pension plan for the drivers, a trust fund for drivers kids incase they die, and one other thing gambling. You had all kinds of drivers join this union to protest driving in NASCAR races, but most of them did not know what the real reason of this union was. Bill Sr. was a FIRM believer that his sport would NOT be betted on as other sports are. He believed that would bring bloodshed on the race tracks only for the mear benefit of money. Corruption follows money, and if betting was to become part of our sport. The corruption will eat it away. We have people who have been TRUE to our sport for years. They are simply running their businesses. Just like anyone else would in their shoes. You can not blame them for that. Our society has evolved and so will our sports.
Danica is a spoiled brat who just needs to go away. She is nothing but a user and has no real intention to race in NASCAR. Its all about the $$$ with her. When she ACTUALLY gets some talent behind the wheel, then, and only then, should she even entertain the idea of racing in NASCAR (aka follow the leader.)
There is one thing that would come with Danica I don’t want to see. The cameras would be constantly on both her car and Jr.s car as they ran mid-pack to the rear of the field. We would not see the leaders or good racing until the “new” wore off. I want to see racing and not celebrities.
@RJ
The only boycott that I was aware of was the tire/safety issue when Talladega opened.
I did not know about the boycott for better pottys. Boy would I have loved to have done the picket signs for that one!
Iv’e noticed it’s mostly guys making commets. Some only want to see Danica for her looks, but it seems to me that most guys don’t think she has the talent. Let’s see you guys strap your butts in a Indy Car, do 200 mph and beat her. I think not. Come on Danica, come to NASCAR and show em you can drive.
my “boycott” wasnt a curtailing of being being a nascar addict :P its based on i’m not going to be one of the numbers counted in thier ratings..i know i’m just one number and dont matter much..but hey..makes me feel like i’m taking a stand.. i get my nascar fix trolling the web for stuff such as your column :D
@ RJ. The unfortunate thing is the people who have not been true to the sport are the ones in charge of the sport. With Brian France, the gambling is following the corruption. Kansas is only the beginning and the path he’s starting down will become a legacy that will be much harder to undo than a Chase or a COT. Corporations, who once saw a cash cow in the Show, see him for the buffoon that he is. They’re headed for the lifeboats while France is still listening to the music, wondering why his ankles are wet. He needs MORE and I could be wrong but I’ll bet, no pun intended, the future holds many more Casinos.
@ Ken. Look at the bright side. If the cameras are focusing on them mid pack, we get to see something besides the JJ & TS Show. Just look at the other drivers in the shot. Contrary to Network belief, there are actually 43 drivers on the track.
@ Janine. Good luck with that.
Janine,
While racing the drivers all look alike. Heck theses days you can’t even tell the car brand apart. I just wish that she would $h#T or get off the pot. She is a marketing machine, that NASCAR will exploit if she comes over.
I do agree with all of the above comments about Sara Fisher. It would be great to see some team give her a shot in good equipment. the biggest problem is there are no openings in the NNS, there are to many Cup drivers moonlighting. Maybe Harvick could put her in one of his trucks. I would bet she would be a top 10 contender week in week out.
I don’t know enough about Milka Duno, to comment. It would be nice to see what Crissy Wallace has got. The couple of truck races that I have seen her in she has held her own.
unfortunately..due to the weirdly skewed priorities of todays average human..Chrissy Wallace will never get the opportunities Danica will..even though i believe Chrissy could prolly drive circles around Danica..Chrissy wont hop in the shower with a german uber-frau..hence negating her use to nascar :P
Danica is a good open wheel driver. She is not a great open wheel driver. And some great ones have tried coming over to stock cars and been unsuccessful.
Dario Franchitti, Patrick Carpentier, and Jacque Villeneuve all tried in the last few years and are now gone. Sam Hornish remains in Cup but as a mid-pack driver. All four of them have open wheel resumes that are leaps and bounds ahead of Danica’s.
The fact of the matter is one can run 43rd week after week in Cup and make more money than a winning Indy Car driver can. Besides the Indy 500 the IRL series purses are more in the Truck Series range.
If Danica wants to make a LOT more money than she is now she will come over to the stock car world and try to work into Cup. If she wants to be a race car driver that contends for wins and is competitive each week she will stay in the IRL. In 2009 she finished fifth in points and was the highest finishing AGR car. She does have talent.
And I agree Sarah Fisher does a fantastic job for the equipment she has on her self-owned team. And Milka Duno is way hotter than Danica ;)
One more thing to add. A good young female stock car driver coming up through the ranks is Johanna Long.
She is a winning Super Late Model driver from Pensacola, FL and she is still in her teens. If was looking to develop a driver with one of these major teams, she deserves a look. She is in the Snowball Derby this weekend in Pensacola.
Johanna Long has won the pole for the Sunday’s Snowball Derby. Ross Kenseth (Matt’s son) qualified second. Kyle Busch qualified third. She is the real deal. Check out http://www.speed51.com for live coverage.
i know this is a little off topic from Danica. But Johanna is a strong female stock car driver that race fans should keep an eye on.
Dawg,
Ahh… how quickly we forget. Sarah Fisher actually had a shot a stock car racing (in the West Coast division) in 2004-2005, but she struggled and decided that Indy racing was her home.
Personally I think Danica can race stock cars, the issue is would she be happy with not being competitive (at first or even at all) at the major leagues of stock car racing? I think as she gets older she just might settle for the security of being an also-ran, especially with the endorsements and salary which would flood her.
I think Danica could surprise all of us and adapt to stock cars faster then anyone thinks she will. I’d like to see her give it a go.