It turns out that Danica Patrick WILL be running in the NNS race next Saturday after all. The race scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13, was a big question mark for Danica. She herself wasn't sure if she was ready to take on a race of this caliber.
One of Patrick's major concern was that Kelly Bires would be out of the event with her decision. Not only that, what if she causes another driver to lose competition points through her inexperience? There was a lot to consider with this decision.
After her sixth-place finish at the ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 this past weekend, there was no hesitation from the Danica camp when she decided to come back next week and compete in her first 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
Eury has given his approval in a recent statement to ESPN. "I couldn't ask for more. She was put in a predicament, her and her spotter worked good together. I was very impressed those last 20 laps."
This decision is not without controversy within the Sprint Cup garages. Many have voiced their opinions, including the crew chiefs, stating that California would be a better venue to make her transition into the Nationwide Series.
An official announcement will be made Monday but it looks as though Danica will begin her transition into stock car racing next weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Danica is guaranteed her place within the field using the points from CJM Racing's No. 11 team that finished 15th in points last season.
UPDATE: JR Motorsports General Manager Kelley Earnhardt announced today Patrick will make her NNS debut in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet at Saturday's race. Patrick, Earnhardt and team officials met Sunday. The decision for Patrick to compete in the Daytona NNS event is supported by sponsor GoDaddy.com and JRM co-owners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Eury Jr. and Rick Hendrick.
“Racing in the Nationwide Series race was my goal during this entire two-month preparation process, but we wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do," Patrick said in a press release. "The ARCA race was a blast, and I’m not ready for my first Daytona Speedweeks to end just yet. I want more racing.”
Kelley Earnhardt said, “I think Danica proved to everyone that she can compete in stock cars at a high level, and right now seat time is extremely important. She has worked extremely hard during the past two months for this opportunity."
With her NNS debut set for Daytona, Patrick will compete in 13 Nationwide races for JR Motorsports. GoDaddy.com will sponsor 11 out of the 13 races.
As a result of the decision, Patrick's teammate Kelly Bires will not compete in Saturday's race. He will debut in the 88 car the following weekend at Fontana.
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