After a taking a few weekend trips through Twitter-land, I see, ladies and gentlemen, what looks like a new sport. One NASCAR writer has a little Danica “drinking game.” Looks like another was having more fun during Saturday’s Nationwide race trying to determine who’d be the bigger joke in Saturday’s Nationwide race- Danica Patrick or John Wes Townley. A look at some other “tweets” reveals some drivers, spotters and driver’s wives are also in on their own forms of Patrick-bashing.
It’s not hard for me to understand why the original “GoDaddy Girl” gets some of the grief she does. Some don’t get the hype. Patrick’s IRL career- while just slightly above average- is nowhere near that of Juan Pablo Montoya, Sam Hornish or Dario Franchitti. You can hear them wondering who Danica thinks she is that she will succeed where others more accomplished have not? Certainly it would have seemed wiser to refine her chops in ARCA, or in a regional series before hitting the big stage.
I also understand the “open wheel versus NASCAR” debate factors in here. After all, the Tony Stewarts of the world are far outnumbered by the Dario Franchittis- who dabbled a bit with stock cars before retreating to the IRL.
What’s more- you have some people who just flat out don’t like Danica. For some, it’s the flashing of her non-racing assets to advance her racing career (or should we just say “marketing” career). For others, they just don’t like the attitude- the reputation of not playing well with others.
Those are things I really have no problem with. As a fan, and one who pulls for the underdog more often than not- I’d be more inclined to pull for an Alli Owens, a Jennifer Jo Cobb, a Chrissy Wallace, or someone along those lines. People can like or dislike whomever they choose, and they can even cheer when the one they root against encounters a storm of stink on race day. No one is immune to that, from where I sit. Heck, even the more saintly guys like Mark Martin and Jeff Burton have their detractors.
What I have a problem with is this: is when public figures- media types and drivers- use their platforms to act like a couple of drunken buffoons in the peanut gallery. Yes, that’s right. Those of you who do it (you know well who you are) cost yourselves some respect when you engage in some of the sophomoric behavior that you do. You get paid to express and opinion, and THIS is how you express it? Behaving in a manner unbecoming of a pre-schooler?
It’s one thing when you say, “You know, Danica’s bitten off more than she can chew.” “Gee Danica, you think maybe a season in ARCA may have been a better first step?” “I told you so, Patrick. You should have stuck to Indy cars.” All of that is fair game. Even Kyle Busch’s criticism of all the Danica coverage has validity. That said, there’s a fine line between criticism and out and out bashing- making someone to be the butt of your jokes.
We too easily forget, behind the nonsense is flesh and blood. Bashing and verbal beer can throwing by fans- though lacking in maturity- is accepted in the world of sport. But what does it say when a media member- who possesses the ability to articulate on a higher level, or someone affiliated with a competitor (who should know how that bashing feels) engages in it? Quite frankly, when it comes to some of the drivers doing it, I think that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Some of you may know who I am talking about, and some of you may BE who I am talking about. I’ll refrain from naming names. I have no interesting in dignifying your antics by directing traffic to it. I’m just sitting here trying to understand what you’re thinking before hitting “Send.” I am wondering what makes you think it’s o.k.
I put this out there, knowing full well I’ll get my chops busted for it. That’s the price (albeit a very small one) for making my opinions public. You who choose to use your platform to talk trash about Danica Patrick have made your opinions public, and in my opinion- it makes you look like little schoolyard twerps. How do you want to be known and regarded- as one who raises serious questions and makes serious points? Or would you rather be the social media equivalent of a bully? When you look at it for more than five seconds, it’s not very funny.
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I like Danica. I think she’e brave taking this on. She does have an attitude, but when your trying to make it in a male dominated sport, she can’t let them push her around. I wish her well, and hope people give her the time she needs to prove she can do it.
Lizbeth, I think it’s the big one! I am really, sincerely impressed. I did not think I would ever see something so right and reasonable written about what now passes for the media. Unfortunately there is a very sizeable segment of the media that thinks bashing someone or something takes the place of analysis and insight. Thank you. Maybe society is not sinking.
“After all, the Tony Stewarts of the world are far outnumbered by the Dario Franchittis- who dabbled a bit with stock cars before retreating to the IRL.”
Aren’t you forgetting just a few others who came from the open wheel world and have done quite well? Like Jeff Gordon, twice as many championships as Tony, Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, etc., even Kenny Schrader. Open wheel would seem to be a very good training ground to me.
I have nothing against Danica. What bothers me is that there have been a number of good female drivers before her who never got the breaks Danica got. Danica was in the very best equipment from her first day in IRL. Sarah Fisher, on the othe hand, has never been in anything better than second rate equipment, yet her IRL record approaches being as good as Danica’s. Why is that? I don’t know but it obviously has nothing to do with driving ability.
In my opinion, Danica is a female Mikey Waltrip, although in all honesty she’s probably a better driver than Mikey. But, like Mikey, she has a ride because she can sell products. If that’s what it takes, so be it, but I would much rather see a talented driver in a good car than a merchandise shill.
Cotton
The Danica news is getting a bit old. Sure, she had a good day in ARCA, but please, ARIC is not NASCAR. I cannot wait to see Danica at Vegas. If she can’t drive at a wide track like Fontanna, then Vegas should prove to be let’s say, the end possibly to the Danica Sales pitch. I pray Danica does not hurt another driver on Saturday. This is not bashing her, just the plain old facts! Vegas is fast! We all know she don’t like bumping, or anyone getting near her. See how she stormed off after getting out of the car at Cali??? That smug “don’t bother with ME ‘ look.
Danica will have her kunch handed to her on Saturday, just wait and see. Thanks, and enjoy the race!
I give Danica an A for effort and bravery jumping into the Nationwide series with very little stock car experience. I sometimes think she should have started in the lower series like the East Series or ARCA for one season to give her some experience.
Yes, she is an Indy Car driver and has driving experience, but from what I have been told, its like night and day driving a stock car compared to an indy car. She is just learning these cars and I almost think she would be best suited to gain some confidence at the lower level and learn. They may be setting herself up for failure by having her learn and try to compete with the big boys in the process.
You poor mis-guided souls.do you really think na$$car is about racing? It’s all about advertising. has been for a long time. Just look, 43 rolling billboards, lap after lap.
I sure miss the real racing aspect of Nascar. Let’s loose the cookie-cutter 1 1/2 mile tracks. dump the restrictors, let’em race. If they are scared of speed, find a new ocupation. don’t worry, there will always be someone out there with a need for speed.
While we’re at it, let’s throw in a dirt track race or two, and maybe even a 1/5 mile oval ala Islip. Ohhh Yeah
@Everyone. Eahc of you raise interesting points- and I might add- free of making a big joke out of the whole thing. You know why I think this bothers me? I have a 12-year-old daughter. She may never likely strap on a racing helmet, and certainly, I think we’ve raised her to think long and hard about the consequences of doing something like a “GoDaddy” commercial as they are done now. That said- the humanity involved here gives me pause before slinging mud, even if it is done in the name of “jest.” Because you know what? Everyone we’re talking about is someone’s son or daughter. We may not like Danica, we may not like the circumstances under which she came to NASCAR, but does that give us the right to make sport of her?
Double A is correct (to a point). I have blogged that Ms. Patrick’s talent level doesn’t merit the coverage that he has and will continue to receive. I still believe that, but drivers are not always sponsored because of their talent behind the wheel. I see the Woods Brothers hinting that they’d be willing to run a full schedule and have the most popular driver in the history of the sport, and who is clearly showing that they are stepping up their game, yet no one is willing to step forward and give the Woods Brothers a full sponsorship. Sponsors want young drivers that their potential customers identify with. Most older drivers are outside the demographic that the sponsor is trying to appeal to, so talent is irrelevant.
All of the major racing series (Cup, Nationwide, IRL, F1) live off sponsorship dollars, not just NASCAR. Ms. Patrick is definitely a success behind the camera, if not behind the wheel. This makes her a valuable commodity to owners. Michael Waltrip is another example of this (even if he doesn’t look any near as good as Ms. Patrick in a bathing suit).
I have long believed that females should be able to drive as well as males. Many of the elements that usually give men an advantage in sports are naturalized in a racecar (strength and speed ). My biggest disappointment is that Ms. Patrick does not have the talent to be the proof of my opinion that I’ve long waited for. Oh well, it maybe still a generation away, but the day we see some young female driver kicking the guys tails is coming.
Ms. Patrick is a “she” and men’s advantage in sports are “neutralized”. Sorry. I was typing faster than I was thinking.
jimmccoy22 – No one here is making fun of Danica at all. There were 5 other Females in the ARCA race, each one hardly mentioned. It is obivous Danica has no DESIRE to really do this. You must desire something, like winning to perform in racing. Danica is in this for the money, period. It shows in her driving style. I would like nothing better than to see her succeed and someday, a female, possibly you own Daughter will have that desire, and a car owner that knows how to win and then, and only then will females be an everyday part of racing at the top level.
Thanks!
The Danica that was on display in California is the real Danica. I have seen/heard other IRL drivers and officials apologize to fans and workers for her rude behavior. She is in NASCAR for the marketing dollars it presents her. Sarah Fisher is a far better person and racer than Danica. As far as being successful female racers, well there is Ashley Force Hood, Melanie Troxel, Lyn St. James to mention a few. If her poor results in NASCAR continue, Danicamania will die down, just like it has in the IRL {which is one reason I believe she switched to NASCAR}. She is orchestrating the media hype, but she needs to be able to handle it when it doesn’t seem to be going her way. Unfortunately, the way she has handled it is to storm off, which portrays her as a spoiled and childish.
Danica has got a real jealous group of followers who wish they could run her car.She is quite a salesperson first,driver second, but I would have liked to have seen her run Toledo,Flat Rock,Salem,Winchester and Berlin in a super late model first,since she doesn’t like rubbin’ and racin’.It really takes alot of bravery to jump in a racecar and run Big D then ACS,no matter the finish.
@Steve in Atlanta. No one would be prouder if my daughter were that driver- though she’s more of the artistic type. Please now, I am quite satisfied with the tone of the conversation here. This is meaningful discussion of DP and NASCAR at large.
I’ll tell you what I haven’t heard though, and I am interesting in hearing about: what about the media types who have made her (and John Wes Townley for that matter) into some kind of joke? Or what about drivers and
their wives being less than privately nasty about DP, when said drivers have resumes who are no more accomplished than she is?
Especially as it pertains to the media where she’s concerned I almost root for her so she can one day have the privilege of telling them to stick it where the sun don’t shine.
@Dk. Whats is your blog? I’d like to read it, and have no problem with you giving a “shout out.” I agree with your point it’s a shame the sponsors are the tails that wag the dog. There are loads of good veteran drivers in sub-standard equipment because sponsors want some young, pretty face marketing their product. I mean, I like Carl Edwards, but it infuriates me when someone like abandons a perfectly good driver so they can have “Mr. Beefcake” pitching their corn flakes.
Oh well, what can you do? It is what it is…..
If Danica signs on for this obvious marketing of her “brand”, then she is open to any and all comments. What gives her immunity from what any public figure is subject to? Especially when they expose themselves as a fraud. Because she’s a girl? Gimme a break. This ain’t her first Rodeo. She sold herself a long time ago and obviously has thick enough skin to take it, as long as the moneys there. Sounds like some other professions I can think of.
Since when is someone’s career and/or driving ability based on a few races? She hasn’t had much seat time in NASCAR. I can’t believe that people don’t even want to give her a fair chance. Name me one driver who was brand new to NASCAR and was expected to go out and kick butt their first two races.
@Mike. So when it comes to commentary on DP or anyone, my disagreement with them gives me latitude to act like an ass?
@Janine. You go, girl. It’d take me five seconds to rattle off the names of five drivers that’s she’s better than, plus she KNOWS she has a lot to learn.
What’s more folks, if you don’t like having her out there, how about JR’s culpability in this? It’s not like it’s her own ride out there. Just sayin’.
As for Kyle Busch’s criticism, that rings real hollow coming from him considering his team, Joe Gibbs Racing, has ruined the Nationwide series by dominating race after race and taking all that TV time from other deserving drivers and teams, yet how many times did Kyle ever point out the run another driver from a smaller team had in Victory Lane. NONE.
Shoot, Kyle has had plenty of times where he’s blown off the media when he finishes in the top 10, yet now he’s speaking up for the little guy? Please. He’s part of that problem.
In light of the suspension of Tony Kornheiser today by EESPN, I believe it is fair to say that the media bears a sizeable responsibility for the increased mean-spiritedness in the way those with whom we disagree are discussed.
If the mean spiritedness is inappropriate for Danica…..then it has been inappropriate for years and years when pointed at other drivers.
I really believe it bothers you because she is female.
It has gone on for year and is CURRENTLY going on with other male drivers. THAT doesn’t seem to bother you.
If the mean spiritedness is inappropriate for Danica…..then it has been inappropriate for years and years when pointed at other drivers.
I really believe it bothers you because she is female.
It has gone on for year and is CURRENTLY going on with other male drivers. THAT doesn’t seem to bother you.
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Are you kidding me Bonnie? What driver is getting the type of grief that Danica is RIGHT NOW? Who?
Give her these two years training then put her in a Black number 3 car and let the show begin!
Milka Duno. Very talented sports car driver. Hasn’t really had decent equipment in the IRL and didn’t get much experience in her ARCA debut. She’s about racing first, marketing second. Sarah Fisher. Great driver also. Tried the Winston West Series, but because of sponsorship dollars wasn’t able to continue there. Formed her own IRL team and even though the cars are junk, she keeps trying. Racer first, marketing second. Then we have Danica. Almost the first words out of her mouth are about her branding and marketability. Not about racing. Not about her competitiveness. Then add in the continuous hype over the last 2 years. Folks are about burned out on her. Over-exposure. If you want to see one of the best female drivers around who could make it in Cup, try Kelley Earnhardt. She’s more talented than her highly touted brother.
As to the paid media types slashing and bashing, that is unprofessional. But something to bear in mind. Our society as a whole has become more vicious and so the media reflects our society instead of maintaining the journalistic standards set by the likes of Edward R. Murrow. Not an excuse for their behavior. Just pointing it out.
Bonnie, You are correct. Mean-spiritedness is wrong without regard to gender.
It is OK to fairly criticize. And offer alternatives and solutions. Just slinging mud is “shock jock” mentality. Not journalism.
When I first started writing, a respected NASCAR journalist told me not to simply bash the sport. There are plenty of people with access to a keyboard who can do that. But be honest and forthright in what I write and report on, good or bad.
If media-types watch Danica and give an honest opinion and can back it up, that is fine. Positive or negative. But to just bash for the sake of bashing… I am not impressed.
Along Bonnie’s lines. Where was all this righteousness the last couple of years when Kyle Busch was getting ripped on a daily basis? Not a KB fan, just wonderin’.
And… the only reflection this shows on our society is that more people, media and fans alike, have avenues like never before to express their opinions. If you don’t believe me then you’ve never sat your butt for years in the stands or in the pits at the local Saturday night race track. People have always had harsh opinions of drivers. Thank God people couldn’t Tweet or Twit or whatever you call it 20, 30, 40 years ago. OMG, what an uproar that would have caused.
The Mad Man, you are right about Kelley Earnhardt. At one point Kerry, Kelley, and Dale Jr. were all racing Late Models. Dale, Sr. said on the old Inside Winston Cup show with Eli Gold that Kelley was the best of the three. And, leonard, Sarah Fisher did, in fact, run Salem and Winchester in a sprint car. Not much rubbing, of course, in a sprint car, but a lot of car control and a bucket full of -uh – nerve to race those overpowered cars on those high banks. Sarah is a real racer and it just galls me that she never had the equipment that Danica had from the very start.
Cotton
Danica has proven that even in top 10 Indycar equipment she is just a mediocre driver. With the help of Go (pimp) Daddy she is going for a Nascar moneygrab but will eventually run out of talent. Novelties are nothing new to Nascar. In the 50’s Tim Flock once raced with a monkey in his car. Draw your own comparisons.
Steve-O, remember, one hand washes the other. If she is making money (not sure that’s a bad thing), then Nascar must also be cashing in.
When Petty won on the 1/5 mile track at Islip, I don’t think anybody ever bad mouthed him. Even as he and Nascar were raking in the dollars. Novelty? probably, but where would racing be without them?
AA, I once saw the Islip track at an ARDC rainout. Amazing that they raced stock cars there. Anyway, the France family are billionaires, no sympathy there and you can buy a Tissot Danica Patrick watch if you want, I don’t really care about the money. It’s ALL about the competition. Danica has been and is relatively non competitive. Rookie Kelly Bires drove the same equipment to a 7th place finish last week and the media hardly noticed.
Steve-O don’t get me wrong. I have had zero interest in nascar for some time. I knew the money would poison the sport. Just as I feel someday you will see drivers or owners strike cause they want a bigger piece of the action. I can’t name one big league sport that hasn’t been poisoned by the money. I don’t think any of them truly care what a fan thinks.
I only comment about the Danica thing because I see it as just more money making hype. For all involved. If I come off as sour grapes, well, maybe that’s true. I’ve been involved and around racing almost all of my long life and I hate what I see know.
It’s true that Tim Flock raced with a monkey named Jocko Flocko in his car not once, but several times. Still, I hate to see Tim mentioned in the same breath as Danica. While Danica is little more than a merchandising machine, one could make a compelling argument that Tim Flock was the best to ever sit behind the wheel of a stock car. As a matter of fact, his win percentage is still the best ever.
Cotton
Not only was Tim Flock a great driver, he also had a great personality. And to his credit I have never heard of him throwing a hissy fit and stomping off pit road.
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