STARCHIVES
Danica Patrick
Article - Racing Lineup 2005

Danica Patrick just wanted a chance to drive in the IRL. Now she has to prove she's worth it. Patrick will join Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice and Vitor Meira as drivers on the Rahal-Letterman team next season, according to co-owner Bobby Rahal.

Danica Patrick is getting a chance at the IRL after competing and doing a very fine job in the Toyota Atlantic Series. "It's important to keep in mind what you're there for, and that's to drive a car," Patrick said.

She will become the third woman to race in the IRL. Sarah Fisher and Lyn St. James have competed on the circuit and in the Indy 500. Fisher, one of the most popular

drivers on the IRL circuit, has struggled to find full-time rides the past few years. But But Rahal's commitment assures Patrick of not being in the same predicament.

Rahal, the 1986 Indy winner, already has big-name sponsorship for Patrick and had promised in May to give her a chance next year. While he doesn't expect her to win races immediately, he believes she can be competitive after driving on the Toyota Atlantic circuit. "Danica is in a situation where she could be competitive," Rahal said. "But ultimately, she's going to have to stand on the gas, and that's up to her."

The announcement left one big name out of the series — former Indy winner and IRL champ Kenny Brack, who hasn't raced since a near-fatal accident in October 2003. He did test last summer, but decided he wasn't quite ready to come back full time. Brack was supposed to test again this fall but it never happened. He might test again in the spring, and Rahal said if Brack decides to return he would help him find a ride. "It's Kenny's decision," Rahal said. "If he decides he's had enough, God bless. If he decides he wants to continue, we'll see how we can help him."

Rice replaced Brack in the #15 car last season and wound up winning the 500. That made Rahal's decision to sign Rice to a multiyear deal an easy one.

Patrick's addition could give the IRL a more glamorous image. Last year, she appeared in a men's magazine, bikini-clad in front of a classic hot rod. She also has appeared on Spike TV. Patrick said she doesn't anticipate changing her image or schedule — if it doesn't interfere with her ability to drive. "I don't think that changes who I am or my values," she said. "It's important to get the sponsors out there, to reach all kinds of markets, so you can spark interest in the sport we all love."

She says she is ready for the grueling IRL schedule and that her driving will be her priority, but she still wants to make it fun too. She is a driver to watch for the upcoming 2005 season. Stay posted to Auto Racing on About.com as her new IRL career will be tracked here.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the name Danica Patrick in the Rahal-Letterman car. We'll see what she can prove to all those who are skeptics of women drivers in the IRL.

Starchives - Danica Patrick - Article - Racing Lineup 2005
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