Danica Patrick Admits She's 'Nervous' About Returning To IndyCar

The Second Half of The "Danica Double" Farewell Tour

Danica Patrick has to wait a few more weeks before getting behind the wheel for an IndyCar test drive.

It's been more than six years since she's piloted an open-wheeled race car, and she'll have to wait a little longer to see if switching back from NASCAR is just like riding a bike. A test drive originally set for the end of March was delayed because of inclement weather.

But Patrick's OK with that, she told ‘For The Win’ by phone Wednesday, admitting: "Being nervous, waiting is not the worst thing in the world."

🙌🏻 LOVE that my side hustles are on my #IndyCar for the #Indy500 with @GoDaddy! pic.twitter.com/3ihMbuWzYh

— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) March 28, 2018

She is, of course, still excited to get a few practice laps in before the Indy 500 on May 27. It will be her last race before retiring, and it's the second half of her "Danica Double" farewell tour - following the Daytona 500 in February, her last NASCAR event.

A pioneer and a role model.

Looking back at @DanicaPatrick's final #Daytona500 in 0:60 seconds. pic.twitter.com/sQuCzFSeYH

— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) February 20, 2018

But nerves aside, Patrick explained the test date being pushed back is still a good thing and what she'd want if she could choose the test anyway. The experience will be much more similar to that for qualifying and racing in the Indy 500, from the weather to the No. 13 GoDaddy Chevrolet itself, she said.

"It's gonna be good to get in the car and get that part done, but I am nervous," said Patrick, who's currently based out of Scottsdale, Arizona.

"It's also good because the car is probably going to be my actual car that I'll be driving for the month of May and in the Indy 500, as opposed to a backup test car. And teams have really been rushing around to get cars ready for this test because (IndyCar's) season has started, so as far as preparation goes on the team's behalf, it's been a little bit of a relief to wait as well."

Patrick still recently paid a visit to one of the world's most famous tracks. For GoDaddy and Ed Carpenter Racing's announcement Wednesday about what her car will look like, Patrick did a photo shoot at the Brickyard.

Although her last IndyCar race was in 2011, this wasn't her first time back at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since that season or even after she realized the 2018 Indy 500 would be her final career race. The NASCAR Cup Series competes at the track annually - her best finish was 11th in July 2017 - and she said she was there earlier this year for an IndyCar physical.

But still, there's something magical about returning to the Brickyard.

"It always feels good," she said. "My dad took me from the airport to the track, and as we were driving in, he was like, 'Man, it just always feels so good to drive into this track.'

"And I always say the same thing too. It's a special place. We were driving out and said the same thing - it's a special place."

Ready set go. Man......IndyCar seats are so comfy. Like a lazy boy. That goes 240mph. @godaddy @ecrindy

A post shared by Danica Patrick (@danicapatrick) on Mar 14, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

Source

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Don’t Care What You Think, NASCAR Race Mom Will Miss Danica

Dared to Be Different #StrongIsTheNewPretty

This previous November, Ms. Patrick announce that she would be retiring from full-time on-track competition. Patrick also announced her intention to compete in both the 2018 Daytona 500 and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 – nicknamed the ‘Danica Double.’

“This is definitely the way I want to finish my racing career – at these two iconic races, backed by my iconic, long-time sponsor,” Patrick stated. “GoDaddy was there for me when my career was just really starting so it’s exciting to be getting back in the GoDaddy ‘green’ for my final two races. Our brands have always been powerful together, and I think it’s awesome to have them at my side when I go ‘all in’ with my businesses after racing.”

Last week’s race at the Daytona International Speedway, represented the first half of the ‘Danica Double.’ Unfortunately, her NASCAR career officially ended when she was caught-up in a multi-car crash that began near the front of the field. Patrick, who was racing her No. 7 GoDaddy Green car in the middle of the drafting pack, could not avoid a spinning Chase Elliott.

Another BIG one. #DAYTONA500 https://t.co/q5ThlqQpPF

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 18, 2018

Danica was again just in the wrong place at the wrong time – not very remarkable, but the norm. Patrick has never won in NASCAR, leading only 64 laps with just seven top-ten finishes and one pole in just over five full seasons. Her IndyCar stats are not much better.

Needless to say, Danica Patrick’s on-track performance has not impressed. However, while she is not one of my favorite drivers; one must recognize what she has done for the sport of NASCAR.

First off, whether the reason be positive or negative, Danica has exposed NASCAR to millions of new people and potential fans. Danica Patrick’s appeal goes far beyond the traditional NASCAR genre. Some just wanted to boo her as a woman pioneering in a man’s sport. Others looked to her as their role model as they ventured into the male dominated career. No one can deny that Patrick services as an epitome or idol to young ladies interested in motorsports.

Thank you @DanicaPatrick for being a strong role model to the little girls in my life. It was an honor to race with you in your last #DAYTONA500 . #StrongIsTheNewPretty pic.twitter.com/KSIsGGsaSw

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 19, 2018

Further, Danica Patrick gave great value to her sponsors and business partners. GoDaddy became a multibillion brand on her shoulders. She was a good ambassador of her own brands and the NASCAR brand.

Now what NASCAR Race Mom is going to miss the most about not having Danica in NASCAR is the absence of her toughness and determination. Danica showed up every race ready to do her job.

Who can forget the time Patrick and Landon Cassill were displeased with the way they were racing each other for position (in 2012). Unfortunately, by losing her cool and retaliating against Cassill, Patrick also wrecked herself, tearing up her car and knocking herself out of the race.

“At some point I have to stand up for myself so this doesn't happen with other people. I chose today,” Patrick said after learning the hard way that Rule No. 1 in stock-car racing is - Wreck Someone Without Wrecking Yourself.”

Patrick will end her racing career at the Indianapolis 500 this May, where she will drive for Ed Carpenter Racing. She has branched out into several other careers and projects for her life after racing, including her own line of athletic apparel, a self-penned fitness book and ownership of a California vineyard.

Honestly, whether you like Danica or not; NASCAR Race Mom can guarantee you will miss her much more than she will miss you!

A pioneer and a role model.

Looking back at @DanicaPatrick's final #Daytona500 in 0:60 seconds. pic.twitter.com/sQuCzFSeYH

— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) February 20, 2018

Dear @DanicaPatrick

Thank you for following your dreams!
Thank you for loving the sport!
Thank you for being you!

Love, Natalie Decker pic.twitter.com/s8nuPsqb3T

— Natalie Decker (@NatalieRacing) February 18, 2018

Saying goodbye to Danica at Daytona. @danicapatrick - you changed the face of racing for women. Thank you for making the road a little easier for female racers hoping to follow in your footsteps. Wishing you all the best in your new adventure. #WonderWoman pic.twitter.com/3QeRz9eMsa

— Leilani Münter (@LeilaniMunter) February 18, 2018

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Premium Motorsports and Danica Patrick "Come Full Circle"

Long -Time Sponsor GoDaddy Backing Danica Once Again

By now, you NASCAR fans have learned that Danica Patrick has secured a one-race deal will put her in the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet Camaro for the historic 60th running of NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious event - the Daytona 500. Danica will run the same car number she competed with in her first foray into stock car racing at Daytona in 2010.

“I keep saying, I couldn’t have written a better story about how this would all fall into place --- going with the flow is working out beautifully,” Patrick said in a statement. “I’ll be back in GoDaddy green, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet with Tony (Eury) Jr. in my ear again. It all makes my last NASCAR race just that much sweeter.”

Below are some more interesting quotes from the principles involved:

Danica Patrick:

“Positive vibes definitely play into on-track performance, and I’m feeling good energy with the sponsor and team we’ve put together for Daytona. My Cup career started out with Tommy (Baldwin, through partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing) and to end it working with him, GoDaddy and the team at Premium (Motorsports), it’s crazy to see how things really have come full circle. It just feels right to be back in the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet again. It’ll be a great combination to close out this chapter for me.” Danica Patrick: “I’m convinced that good vibes translate into performance – and I’m definitely feeling the good energy with this sponsor and team. I’m ready to get back in the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet.”

🚨📝@GoDaddy & @DanicaPatrick reunite for #DanicaDouble and life after racing ➡️https://t.co/0AkQiQcsR6 #NASCAR #IndyCar pic.twitter.com/sCfoW7JO9t

— Danica Racing Online (@DanicaRacing) January 18, 2018

Tommy Baldwin, head of business development for Premium Motorsports: 

“It’s great to have everything come together with Danica and GoDaddy for the Daytona 500. The team is working hard to get things ready and we’re receiving great assistance from RCR (Richard Childress Racing) with engines, engineering support and the pit crew. Having Tony Eury Jr. come on board for this race is good as well since he’s worked with Danica before. That should help give us a leg up on things going into Daytona.”

Tony Eury Jr., Crew Chief:

 Why he would come back for this race“I’ve started this company (Fury Race Cars) and had a lot of fun with it — just helping kids and drivers that want to race. Danica called and asked if I would come do this race with her. I joked and told her, ‘Well, I got you into this mess, so I might as well help get you out of it.’ I have a lot of respect for her. When she came onto the scene, we had a lot of fun. I learned a lot working with Danica. She helped get me on this path to start helping kids with my company and I’ve had a lot of fun with it. We’re friends and have kept in touch over the years. So, it was an easy choice to come do this last race with her.”

What challenges do he anticipates, if any? “I think it’s going to be pretty interesting. They’ve changed the format of Speedweeks a bit. There are only two practice sessions before qualifying and then no practice between that and the qualifying races, so it’s a bit different than what I’ve experienced before. It may take a little bit to get back in the groove, but we’ve got a lot of support in place, so I think we’ll be fine.”

Does he feel any added pressure since this will be Danica’s final NASCAR race? “No, absolutely not. It’s another Daytona for me. I love Daytona and going down there. Having this be Danica’s last NASCAR race will just make it more special. We’ve had a lot of fast cars down there and sat on the pole before (Feb. 2012). We’ve got three weeks to finish getting the car ready. We have to have realistic expectations heading into Daytona, but Danica’s learned a lot about speedway racing since we worked together, so it’ll be fun to get back down there with her and GoDaddy. When she reached out about doing this deal, I made her promise me she’d take me to Indy when she runs the (Indianapolis) 500 in May. That’s a race I’ve always wanted to go to, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that as well.”

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

We’re thrilled @DanicaPatrick will be driving the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet Camaro at Daytona 500. #DanicaDouble #RacingAndBeyond https://t.co/e7VjdlEYDW

— GoDaddy (@GoDaddy) January 22, 2018

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Stenhouse Jr. Concentrating on His Racing Not Patrick

Ricky Working on Minimizing Pit Road Mistakes

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. experienced his breakout season in 2017. Of course, the racer expects to continue that momentum as he enters his sixth full season driving for car owner Jack Roush in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

In case you do not recall, the driver of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Fusion captured the first win of his #MENCS career when he passed Kyle Busch on the final lap at Talladega Superspeedway in May. Ricky backed that win up with his second restrictor-plate victory two months later at Daytona when he took the checkered flag in the annual Coke Zero 400.

Those two wins propelled Stenhouse Jr. into the NASCAR Playoffs for the first time in his career. He advanced to the Round of 12 before being eliminated.

Unfortunately, last season concluded with the breakup of his personal relationship with fellow driver, Danica Patrick. Patrick and Stenhouse had been a couple since 2013, their first season as full-time drivers in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Their very public relationship made them an anomaly in motorsports – on-track competitors and off-track life partners. 

During their courtship, their shared mentality on track was rooted in mutual respect. Now that they are no longer an “item,” Stenhouse confirmed that he will not race her any differently.

The two will meet on the track at least one more time before Patrick retires in what's now being called the "Danica Double" - NASCAR's Daytona 500 in February and IndyCar Series' Indy 500 in May.

"I don't think I'll race any different," Stenhouse said Tuesday at the NASCAR Media Tour. "I try to respect everybody around me, especially at those speedway races. You don't really want to put anybody in a bad spot because you put the whole field in a bad spot.

"But I think I'll go out and race just like I'm racing everybody else, and see how it plays out. Heck, when we first started racing together (in the XFINITY Series in 2010), we got in crashes anyway, so it is what it is. But I'll just go out and compete as hard as I can. I plan on putting myself in a position to win the race."

8 drivers have won in the No. 26 car, including Ricky Rudd.

Just 26 days until the #Daytona500! pic.twitter.com/pczKRa033V

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) January 23, 2018

Although Ricky Stenhouse Jr. appears confident following his success on track last season; he knows that he must concentrate on improving for this season in order to compete for a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

“I’d like to start out the year at Daytona winning,” Stenhouse said. “If not, I really want to win at Bristol this year. I feel like we had a really fast car in the second race last year, but I sped on pit road. I’m going to have to minimize my mistakes on pit road, I feel like. We sped way too often last year, and it cost us some valuable time and spots.

“For us, as a team, we have to get better at the mile-and-a-half race tracks and then we have to earn more stage points. And that all comes with faster race cars and getting your program better at those race tracks. I felt like there were so many opportunities last year that we missed out on getting stage points—finishing 11th, finishing 12th. So if we can make some adjusts to finish in the top 10 in some of those stages, I think it would be beneficial for us as well.”

Stenhouse earned MENCS Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. 

He also has eight career wins in the Xfinity Series, where he won Sunoco Rookie of the Year in 2010 followed by back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.

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Who has read Danica Patrick’s New Book?

Pretty Intense: The 90-Day Mind, Body and Food Plan that will absolutely Change Your Life

Danica Patrick has announced that she plans to race only twice in 2018, in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. The plan is being billed as the “Danica Double.” Then Ms. Patrick is looking to retirement as a race-car driver just two months after her thirty-sixth birthday.

In the interim, Danica has released a new book entitled “Pretty Intense.” NASCAR Race Mom hasn’t read it yet, but I want to as soon as I get a spare moment.

NRM is intrigued by the Amazon Summary:

America's NASCAR standout offers a 90-day program to sculpt your body, calm your mind, and achieve your greatest goals.

Everything Danica Patrick does is Pretty Intense. A top athlete in her field, not to mention a fan favorite and the first woman to rule in her male-dominated sport, Danica approaches every aspect of life with the utmost intensity. Now, she shows you how you can apply her daily principles and transform your life for the better--and have fun while doing it.

Danica's 90-day high-intensity workout, protein-rich, paleo-inspired eating plan, and mental-conditioning program will get you leaner, stronger, and healthier than you've ever been before. By mixing full-body training and stretching exercises, her accessible workouts hit the holy trinity of fitness: strength, endurance, and flexibility. Bolstered by a customized eating plan for all-day energy, her program will also help you cultivate a mindset for limitless success. You will learn to aim your sights high, confront challenges and setbacks with confidence, and cross the finish line every time. Whether your goal is a stronger core, better skills in the kitchen, or a promotion at work, Danica's Pretty Intense plan will help you reach your highest potential.

Now, while I am not too sure that Ms. Patrick “ruled in her male-dominated sport,” she definitely made a ripple in the NASCAR Ocean. Along the way, she became a role model to many women and girls, showing that a female can compete in a male-dominated sport. 

The first copies of @prettyintensebydanica just came in! Preorders release December 26! I poured a lot into this book over the last year. I wrote the table of contents and then a section for each chapter, edited every word of every chapter, produced my photo shoot, wrote and photographed every recipe, wrote every workout in the 12 week program (7 per week, none the same), tested every workout, and ran a focus group test to make sure it kicked ass! After my sister read it she said, “it sounded like you”. And for the picture lovers out there (like me), there’s almost 100 photos of me and a bunch of amazing before and after pics, as well as their story. http://bit.ly/PrettyIntenseBNSigned Happy holidays!

A post shared by Danica Patrick (@danicapatrick) on Dec 1, 2017 at 12:45pm PST

“I’ve been doing different things and talking about different things, it’s like a fresh start with my career,” said Patrick, who will turn 36 in March. “Cooking on TV with recipes I wrote, going on TV wearing workout clothes ... it’s so different. It has been fun to do something different.”

Excerpt from Danica’s Book:

“It’s not easy to figure out the right way to fuel your body. As a teenager, I lived in England for three years, racing Formula cars. Back then I would go to the local bookstore, which also had a coffee shop, and I would order a large latte (which I would not order now) and sit down with a stack of health and fitness books. I have always been interested in the human body and how it works, and I spent hours flipping through the pages learning new ways to take care of myself. It was the beginning of my experimentation with diets: I think the first phase was low-fat, then low-carb, then dairy-free, then whole grain, then a 40/30/30 balance . . . Then I turned my world upside down with a blood test. At the beginning of 2013, I took a test that scanned my blood against the ninety-six most common foods. Before I tell you my results, let me tell you generally what I used to eat so you can understand how shocked I was.”

Sounds both interesting and easy to read. I think I will purchase it to read on my trip to Texas this March.

.@DanicaPatrick demonstrates some workout moves from her new book "PRETTY INTENSE" and shares secrets for a healthier new year! pic.twitter.com/qhkvGPhlDy

— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 2, 2018

If you read the book,
let me know your opinion
– is it worth a read?

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2018 Musical #NASCAR Chairs Continues

Kasey Kahne will pilot the No. 95 Chevrolet Camaro for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) season for Leavine Family Racing (LFR). Kahne, who has driven for Hendrick Motorsports since 2012, has signed on to be LFR's primary driver for the 2018 season.

“I feel like (Leavine has) really made a lot of gains in the past couple years,” Kahne told NASCAR.com of his new team. “It’s pretty cool to watch, any time you see a small team do what they’ve done in our sport.

“The opportunity will be a challenge, but also a lot of fun. I enjoy a challenge and I enjoy working with people. The best part about it is us all being a team and trying to improve every single weekend and learning from what we do one week and improving the next. I think that’s something we’ll be able to do. And I’m really excited about it.”

BREAKING NEWS: @Team_FRM announces 2018 lineup: https://t.co/tWHDEhhjkS pic.twitter.com/6JhPqwZDSI

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 14, 2017

Front Row Motorsports will step up its two-car Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series program in 2018 with an elevated partnership with Ford Performance and ten-year #MENCS Veteran Michael McDowell.

McDowell joins the team after four years with Leavine Family Racing. The 32-year-old Phoenix, Ariz., native raced a Front Row Motorsports entry once previously in his Cup series career, at Watkins Glen International in 2013. The former open-wheel racer was the 2004 Star Mazda Series champion and 2007 ARCA Re/MAX Series Rookie of the Year. He earned a Cup career-best fourth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in July of this year.

“Since I first drove for Bob at Watkins Glen, we’ve kept in touch and have felt like there might be an opportunity to work together again, and the timing worked out perfectly,” McDowell said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a teammate, so I’m really looking forward to working with David, whom I’ve become pretty good friends with over the years. As a team now, we go into the season knowing we have five or six races that put us in position to get a win and earn a spot in the playoffs.”

That leaves Landon Cassill in the “free agent” category with the likes of Danica Patrick, Aric Almirola and Matt Kenseth.

However it is early yet in the 2017 silly season.

 

Matt Kenseth Finishes 8th In What Is Likely His Final Race

We're just over here hoping Matt Kenseth finds a competitive ride soon ...

If he doesn't, what a way to go out. #teaMKenseth pic.twitter.com/5Br9tZDyXB

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) November 20, 2017

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Danica Racing Statement

Danica Patrick Announces 2017 to be Last Season as a Full-Time Driver.

It has been quite a year in the world of Danica Racing. We appreciate all the support you have shown us and we wanted to share with you some news Danica will be announcing this afternoon.

Following Sunday’s race in Homestead, Danica plans to step away from full-time competition.

While Danica may not be competing on a weekly basis next year, we are thrilled to share with you that she will be doing the “Danica Double” and will be a part of the 60th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in February and the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.

It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since Danica last competed in the Indy 500, and we can’t wait to see the excitement that will surround her return to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing!”

Danica has made a ton of history at both Daytona and Indy and we’re excited to see what this next chapter has in store for her.

Danica Patrick was fighting back tears as she announced this is her last full-time season in NASCAR. pic.twitter.com/0vaBzNV0SB

— Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) November 17, 2017

Source

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#NASCAR Schedule for Texas Motor Speedway's Triple Header

Remember – Make Memories

Jimmie Johnson, wife Chandra and their two daughters, Genevieve
and Lydia, dressed up as the von Trapp Family from "The Sound of Music."

Texas Motor Speedway Data

• Track Size: 1.5-mile
• Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 20 degrees
• Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 24 degrees
• Banking/Frontstretch: 5 degrees
• Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
• Frontstretch Length: 2,250 feet
• Backstretch Length: 1,330 feet

In the Spirt of Halloween, below is the schedule for this weekend #NASCAR Triple Header at Texas Motor Speedway accompanied by some spooky NASCAR Driver family’s Halloween portraits - Remember – Make Memories

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick opted for the "Happy Gilmore" look.

Texas Motor Speedway 2017
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
NASCAR Xfinity Series
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Event Schedule

Thursday, November 2

• 9:00 AM 11:00 AM Broadcasting Set-Up
• 10:00 AM 12:00 PM NCWTS Haulers Enter (Equipment Unload)
• 11:30 AM 5:00 PM NCWTS Registration Open
• 12:00 PM 6:00 PM NCWTS Garage Open
• 12:30 PM Track Services Meeting (Victory Theater)
• 1:00 PM NCWTS Rookie Meeting, Spotter Meeting, & Random Drawing
• 2:00 PM 2:55 PM NCWTS 1st Practice
• 3:30 PM 4:00 PM Pace Vehicle Calibration
• 4:00 PM 4:55 PM NCWTS Final Practice
• 5:00 PM 7:00 PM MENCS Haulers Enter (Equipment Unload)

Friday night, Playoff racing under the lights, the JAG Metals 350 brings out the best of the young guns as they beat and bang for a shot at the title.

Kyle Busch’s wife Samantha and son Brexton celebrated Halloween
as Norma and Norman Bates from the TV show "Bates Motel."

Friday, November 3

• 8:00 AM 11:30 AM NXS Haulers Enter (Equipment Unload)
• 9:00 AM 7:00 PM MENCS Registration Open
• 9:30 AM 7:00 PM MENCS Garage Open
• 9:30 AM 7:00 PM NCWTS Registration Open
• 9:30 AM NCWTS Garage Opens
• 10:30 AM Track Services Meeting (Victory Theater)
• 10:30 AM 5:00 PM NCWTS Minors Permitted In The Garage Area*
• 11:00 AM 7:00 PM NXS Registration Open
• 11:00 AM MENCS Rookie Meeting, Spotter Meeting, & Random Drawing
• 11:30 AM 7:30 PM NXS Garage Open
• 11:30 AM 2:00 PM MENCS ** Hot Pass In Effect **
• 12:00 PM 1:25 PM MENCS 1st Practice
• 1:00 PM NXS Rookie Meeting, Spotter Meeting, & Random Drawing
• 1:30 PM 2:00 PM TV Television Exhibition Runs
• 2:00 PM 2:45 PM NXS 1st Practice
• 3:00 PM (4:00 PM) NCWTS Qualifying (Single Vehicle / Two Rounds)
• 4:00 PM 4:55 PM NXS Final Practice
• 4:45 PM 7:00 PM MENCS ** Hot Pass In Effect **
• 5:00 PM Track Services Meeting (Pit Road)
• 5:00 PM NCWTS Driver / Crew Chief Meeting (Victory Theater)
• 5:15 PM (6:15 PM) MENCS Qualifying (Multi-Vehicle / Three Rounds)
• 6:30 PM NCWTS Driver Introductions
• 7:00 PM (8:00 PM) NCWTS Race (147 Laps, 220.5 Miles)

As the NASCAR XFINITY Series season winds down the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 is make or break for drivers who have hopes of winning the XFINITY Series Championship.

Paw Patrol, Mini Mouse, and Woody are ready for some tricks
and treats, says #NASCAR Driver David Ragan.

Saturday, November 4

• 12:00 PM NXS Access To Haulers Only
  
• 12:30 PM Track Services Meeting (Victory Theater)
• 12:30 PM 1:00 PM NASCAR Media Rides
• 12:30 PM 7:30 PM MENCS Registration Open
• 12:30 PM 9:00 PM MENCS Garage Open
• 1:00 PM 7:30 PM NXS Registration Open
• 1:00 PM 1:30 PM NASCAR Pace Vehicle Rides
• 1:00 PM NXS Garage Opens
• 1:00 PM 7:00 PM NXS Minors Permitted In The Garage Area*
• 1:30 PM 5:30 PM MENCS ** Hot Pass In Effect **
• 2:00 PM 2:55 PM MENCS 2nd Practice
• 3:00 PM 3:30 PM TV Television Exhibition Runs
• 4:00 PM 4:50 PM MENCS Final Practice
• 5:05 PM (6:05 PM) NXS Qualifying (Multi-Vehicle / Three Rounds) 5:30 PM Track Services Meeting (Pit Road)
• 6:30 PM NXS Driver / Crew Chief Meeting (Victory Theater)
• 7:00 PM NXS Driver Introductions
• 7:30 PM (8:30 PM) NXS Race (200 Laps, 300 Miles)

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series puts it all on the line for the 8th race in the Playoffs. The AAA Texas 500 will be an all out brawl for a chance to battle for the Cup Series Championship.

There's no crying in baseball! Denny Hamlin, along with
girlfriend Jordan Fish and their two little girls, went with
a classic from the movie "A League of Their Own."

Sunday, November 5

• 7:30 AM 1:30 PM MENCS Registration Open
  
• 7:30 AM MENCS Garage Opens
• 7:30 AM 11:30 AM MENCS Minors Permitted In The Garage Area*
• 8:00 AM 9:00 AM NASCAR Pace Vehicle Rides
• 10:00 AM Track Services Meeting (Victory Theater)
• 11:00 AM Concert
• 11:00 AM MENCS Driver / Crew Chief Meeting (NASCAR Xfinity Garage Area)
• 12:00 PM 6:00 PM MENCS ** Hot Pass In Effect **
• 12:20 PM MENCS Driver Introductions
• 1:00 PM (2:00 PM) MENCS Race (334 Laps, 501 Miles)

.@JeffGordonWeb vs. @JeffBurton.

Who saw this @TXMotorSpeedway incident coming? pic.twitter.com/3MnDbQZYs7

— #NASCARPlayoffs (@NASCAR) November 2, 2017

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5. Kyle Busch Wins Wild Race at Martinsville

This @BubbaWallace​ Halloween costume is scaring us more than any Pennywise, Chucky, or Freddy Krueger costume ever could. #Blaney pic.twitter.com/nQB1LcZ35C

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 1, 2017

Danica Patrick Calls the 2017 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide Finalists

Vote Everyday to Help One Finalist Win a $100,000 Donation to Their Charity.

Watch Danica Patrick call the 2017 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide finalists: Shannon Goldwater, Chante Gonzalez Vido, Julian Maha, and Tammy Richardson. 

The NASCAR Foundation is Dedicated to
Helping Children Live Happier, Healthier Lives.

You can Vote at NASCAR.com/Award

.@MartinTruex_Jr wants you to vote today at https://t.co/Bg6NpsOhFt to help decide which everyday champion will win @NASCAR_FDN's #BJFHAward pic.twitter.com/jiwwJKoLEi

— Furniture Row Racing (@FRRacingTeam) October 24, 2017

Best Part of the Day: #BJFHAward @nationwide88 finalist Shannon Goldwater meets @DanicaPatrick and Ella! pic.twitter.com/ATfiaZW7y4

— TheNASCARFoundation (@NASCAR_FDN) October 22, 2017

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History of Women Drivers at Michigan International Speedway

Patrick Has Raced In Three Different Series (IRL, NASCAR Xfinity Series And Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series), Accumulating 12 Starts, The Record For Women Racers At MIS

But truth be told, Patrick has been preceded by several women who broke many barriers before her, most namely a University of Michigan graduate named Janet Guthrie.

Guthrie was the pioneer of women in racing at MIS, followed by 21 other female drivers, which include (in chronological order) Robin McCall, Laura Lane, Lyn St. James, Patty Moise, Shawna Robinson, Tammy Jo Kirk, Kim Crosby, Tina Gordon, Christi Passmore, Deborah Renshaw, Kelly Sutton, Erin Crocker, Milka Duno, Sarah Fisher, Gabi DiCarlo, Allie Owens, Danica Patrick, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Johanna Long, Angela Cope, Sarah Cornett- Ching.

In July of 1976, Guthrie made her Michigan International Speedway debut by racing in two different series on the same weekend, which included the open wheel USOW series (13th place) and the USAC Stock Car series, where she finished 21st. In 1977, Guthrie qualified for both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, thus becoming the first woman to earn a starting spot in both prestigious races. Later in 1977, she would go on to compete in both NASCAR Cup Series races held at MIS, finishing 26th and 10th, respectively.

While Guthrie went on to make one more NASCAR Cup Series start at MIS in 1978. The next woman to make history on the two-mile oval was Robin McCall, who started her two career NASCAR Cup Series races in 1982, finishing 29th and 33rd for tycoon car owner J.D. Stacy. McCall also ran in the 1984 Detroit News Grand Prix Kelly American Challenge (100k) and placed 24th in a Firebird.

Some nine years later in 1993, MIS would yet again play into women’s history books when ARCA Racing Series driver Laura Lane cruised into a 6th place finish in the Meijer- All Sport 200 race for Cunningham Racing in a Ford.

Open wheel superstar Lyn St. James wowed the race fans at MIS in 1993 in a 500-mile race where she started 10th but fell out of the race for an electrical issue. 

She once again attempted the 500-miler in 1995 and came in contact with Danny Sullivan in the Marlboro 500 knocking her out of contention for the win.

Patty Moise had a four-year run in the XFINITY Series with her best finish of 12th in the Detroit Gasket 200 in the Dial-Purex Ford in 1994.

Shawna Robinson captured the pole for the ARCA RE/MAX Series race in June of 2000, becoming the first and only woman thus far to ever win a pole at MIS. In June 2001, Robinson made more history at MIS again by making her NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2-mile oval.

Robinson qualified 32nd and finished the race 34th, becoming the first woman to complete a NASCAR Cup Series race since Patty Moise in 1988 at Watkins Glen.

In July 2002, Sarah Fisher thrilled the MIS crowd during the Inaugural IRL IndyCar Series race at MIS by taking the lead on lap 187 of the 200 lap event and leading three laps before relinquishing her advantage to eventual race winner Tomas Scheckter.

In 2004, Christi Passmore guided her ARCA RE/MAX Series car to a fifth place finish, becoming the top finishing female in MIS history at that time.

Erin Crocker broke that record in 2007 with her third place finish in the ARCA Racing Series June event at MIS driving her Mac Tools-Mac Card Dodge all 200 circuits.

Crocker made her MIS debut in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Hantz Group 200 in June 2005 where she started seventh and finished seventh.

She remains the top finisher in the ARCA series between all women that drove at MIS with 4.67 average finish followed by Allie Owens with 17.7 average finish.

Patrick has raced at MIS in three different series (IRL, NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series), accumulating 13 starts, the record for women racers at MIS. She also holds the record for highest average finishing position in both IRL (14.7) and Monster Energy Cup (19.5). Patrick finished 13th in her first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup appearance at MIS, the second highest MENCS finish at MIS behind Guthrie’s 10th place finish.

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