Danica and Dale both driving in the the Sprint Cup Series -- perhaps on the same team --- could mean big bucks for sponsors and NASCAR. But fans, as usual, would end up getting rooked.

by Sharon Bundy
 
Never in my life have I ever felt such a sense of dread as I do when I read reports that Danica Patrick may come to NASCAR.  Having her in the sport would be a detriment to stock car racing.
 
If someone was to poll actual race fans, most would agree that Danica is not wanted in our sport. While sponsors and car owners are lining up to embrace her into the sport, she is not wanted by fans. It would be easy to see why NASCAR wants her here, publicity. Good or bad, she would bring even more attention to the sport.
 
Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are unfairly compared to each other due to their enormous popularity and probably the most inaccurate comparison, their success or-lack thereof--behind the wheel of a race car. Despite the problems that have plagued Dale Jr. over the past couple of seasons, he has had a pretty great career. Especially when you compare it to Danica's.
 
Many see an alliance between Earnhardt and Danica as the sport's power couple. I don't mean couple in the biblical sense, but a business marriage between auto racing's two biggest stars would surely set the racing world on fire. So much publicity, so much interest. For NASCAR they cannot lose.
 
The problem with Danica is that she seems to not want to build up her racing resume in NASCAR. She wants to be on the best team, with the best equipment, and have the best people behind her. That is fine. But she has no clue about stock cars. Her entrance into the sport should be a patient and steady climb. ARCA, Truck series, Nationwide, and then Cup, should be the route in which Danica takes if she does indeed come to NASCAR. Her rise should not be accelerated because she is Danica, she needs to earn the respect of those she races against. Her career in IRL has been mediocre. She doesn't deserve to be in NASCAR's top level until she proves she can race with the sport's best.
 
If Danica does give NASCAR a try ,she really needs to be patient. Unlike IRL, fans in NASCAR rule the sport. Her racing career in NASCAR could be a nightmare on and off the track. It would be a mistake to put her into a Cup car right away. Fans will not embrace her. Many will look at it as her marketability got her a top ride and not her actual racing experience.
 
For NASCAR the immediate impact of Danica Patrick in the sport might be huge.  But how will it all work out in the long run is my biggest worry. I'm just not sure she is worth the scrutiny everyone will endure with her here. NASCAR needs to dig a little deeper to find that female driver who will show the big boys how it's done.

Sharon Bundy is a freelance writer. In addition to appearing here, she is a regular contributor at insidethepitbox.com. When Sharon is not writing about races or going to races, she enjoys spending time with her two children. Sharon is looking for more writing opportunities and can be reached at sharon_bundy@hotmail.com.