I think Danica has a boat load of talent. You have to have a load even to run in the back. As far as Tony showing her the door, she brings big money with her plus she is very popular & that surely doesn't hurt. FWIW I think she should have stayed in Indy cars. I'm certain she switched for the big bucks of NA$CARP. Being on scene when Dan Weldon met his maker may also have had a large part in her move. RIP Dan
IMHO it had more to do with the money and challenge of NASCAR than Wheldon's death, as it was already in the works, but I'm sure that contributed to her decision. At some point, the exposure has to be paired with some level of success though--and reading between the lines, Stewart has kind of hinted at this being the make or break year for her. She has no more excuses; this is the year she either becomes Sharapova or Kournikova. She may be able to skate one more year due to her popularity, but I don't see her going beyond three years unless she gets a win somewhere along the line. I don't think that will happen on a 1.5 or smaller track, but it could happen on a restrictor plate race, where almost anyone can potentially win, or maybe, just maybe, a road course, which would be better for her--that's a legitimate win if she pulls it off. Yes, you have to be talented just to even run there, but that doesn't mean you BELONG there. Last year, the majority of the Nationwide drivers without a Cup ride would have had a better shot than her--but they don't have the endorsements or the extra X chromosome (well maybe a few may have the latter, I don't know for sure). Like I said, I don't have a problem with that--it's not how you get the opportunity, but what you do with it that's important. But it sucks to be the guy who is 1st or 2nd in Nationwide points and unable to get a Cup ride, then watch Danica consistently run one lap or further down on the short tracks.
Agree, I think they both have had more than a few things handed to them because of who they are. Dillon will go farther just because he has been groomed for this. Grandpa has sponsored everything he has done up to this point, I would find it hard to believe if anything changes in that aspect of his career.
I don't follow NASCARP, but I do hope Danica can do well. Stepping out of an Indy car & into a cup car has to be quite a shock to one. Others who came up through the NASCARP feeder system have a decided advantage. If Danica does have success it will be on a big track, not a bull ring or road course. Big tracks are where she shined in Indy cars. Wasn't aware of Danica's timing in regards to Dan's crash at that crazy race in Vegas.
She shined in Indy Cars? One win, on fuel strategy, with a reduced field (only 18 cars; half of the best drivers were racing on a different track that weekend--Motegi came during the transition when Indy car reunited; half the drivers were obligated to run the Toyota Grand Prix that weekend). Granted, she's better in Indy Car than Nascar, but the problem with her Indy Car experience is the same as with NASCAR--she was rushed up before she was ready for the publicity and sponsorship, and she never grew into a serious contender as series champion, although she did get the one win and did run respectably--although not spectacularly. The fact remains though had she had been anyone else she probably doesn't hold that high quality of a ride for as long as she did. If Johanna Long had Danica's photogenicity, she'd still be racing Nationwide, in a full time ride. I thought she'd be the one to make everyone forget about Danica, but she's on the outside looking in now, which is a shame. I don't really pull for Patrick, other than if she does well it helps racing in general; but I always pulled for Johanna Long, and before that, Sarah Fisher, but I am bummed out that Long hasn't gotten a legitimate long-term shot, and that Sarah Fisher, who is a racer through and through, isn't a household name.
Yep I think she did shine in Indy cars. Lots of drivers would love to have her record in Indy cars. I think given equal opportunities & equipment Sarah Fisher would have done very well. She has loads of talent & would have kicked Danica's butt for sure. We know Sarah here, she lived down the road not terribly far from Cowtown. Her grandad still does, I love talking with him, he is a fountain of race car knowledge.
+1. Sarah is an excellent driver....nice kid too....hails from Commercial Point, OH, just down the road from us here in Columbus.
Got REALLY bored with the racing at Sears Point a several years back so during one of the support races I took a walk around the track. I was up on the hill walking past some motorhomes and damn near got run over by Danica on a scooter heading to the pits. She called back "Oh sorry" and I've been in love ever since. I know - I'm easy...
Damage was toggled off. It's the only way you can win with her. She's programmed to hit the wall 3 times per race, run over the foot of a pit crew member, and spin the wheels on every restart; there's nothing you can do about it. I wish you could turn off the obligatory excuses, but Sony programmed those in too; even if you turn the sound off they still somehow come through loud and clear.
Not once because I pushed all the other drivers into the wall or hit them on pit road. After I was done I had the whole track to myself and won the race with a top speed of 80 mph. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: