I have a problem with people who have a problem with Danica Patrick. Aside from Jimmie Johnson, she’s probably the best thing that’s happened to NASCAR since Ricky Bobby. People who say that she’s not actually good and only gets attention because she’s prettier than the lead singer at a hootenanny are absolutely right. NASCAR has a loyal following but that following has, for the most part, stayed consistent within the boundaries of Toby Keith fans and hardcore Toby Keith fans. Danica Patrick is helping to reign in some more diverse viewership.
Women don’t typically have success venturing into guy sports. Michelle Wie and Annika Sorenstam didn’t do so hot when they tried to play golf with the guys and it was sort of disappointing. Danica Patrick could finish with a 31st place average for the rest of her career and I don’t think many people will give a flying hoot. Will she go down in the annals of NASCAR lore? No, and if you ask me, BIG WHOOP. As long as she stamps her feet and throws those spitfire tantrums I think the “sport” will be all right (I apologize for the quotations but I think any sport that forces you to sit in 130 degree agony in a puddle of your own urine for four hours is not really a sport).
I’m ashamed to say this but I did tune in to watch a NASCAR race recently because I was curious to see how Danica would do. On a side note, I still don’t see the appeal of watching this for hours. I’ll concede that participating has got to be fun and the last few laps are actually pretty entertaining but what is with the gigantic crowd at every race? The conditions cannot be sanitary, there is no t-shirt cannon, and the whole situation reminds me of a cross between the DMV and KFC. I’d much rather watch the Kentucky Derby where the race is shorter and the spectators look like the type of people who have hyphenated last names.
I’m not hating on NASCAR because I don’t think that it takes skill to be a driver. It’s also incredible what the pit crew can do in such a short amount of time. Watching it over and over again is what I think will lose me. That, and the fact that they go for 500 laps. What am I supposed to do at lap 137 and lap 322? Maybe watching a race will change my mind, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m not exactly thrilled about the prospect especially considering that I’ll basically be walking into a massive auditory assault. I’ll find a pro in this sea of cons eventually.
If I were a NASCAR fan, I’d thank my lucky stars that Danica decided to give stock car racing a try. It was inevitable, though. How could you be born with the name “Danica” and NOT want to drive cars fast for a living? Danica Patrick has had a significant impact on NASCAR already as she’s been the dominant storyline week in and week out. Because even if she never actually wins, NASCAR already has.
Whoever wrote this is really awesome.