The Official Danica Patrick Fan Site

Danica to Hendrick (Pure Speculation)

Could Danica compete in Sprint Cup in a few years driving the #5 car for Rick Hendrick? Mark Martin is currently occupying that seat. His sponsor is Godaddy, the same as Danica's. His contract will end at the end of next season (I think). He could retire or reduce his schedule. If he leaves Hendrick full time perhaps Danica could take over his ride if she does well in Nationwide.

Given the sponsor is the same and given she's driving for Dale Jr in Nationwide I could see her in Mark Martin's car after his contract expires and after her Indy car contract expires.

What do you think? Could this be the long term plan?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Damon on February 25, 2010 at 4:30pm: Long ways to go until that talk becomes reality, she's got to prove she can get results at the Nationwide level first, but if she does, then yeah....2012 would be the year she becomes a full-time Cup driver.

I would say at the end of 2011 but I don't know the wording of her Andretti contract and when she can officially make a move after the 2011 IRL season ends to say she wants to cut the 3rd year from her AA deal and move on.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim Huntington on February 25, 2010 at 4:58pm: Mark Martin will have to be dragged kicking and screaming from his car. He will become the oldest living NASCAR driver. :-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Damon on February 25, 2010 at 5:34pm: How old is Morgan Sherpard? Like 75? Mark's got 20 years on him, he's got a shot at it, Jim.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shawn Judd on February 25, 2010 at 6:04pm: If she ever goes to the Cup series down the road, I hope she goes about it the right way. Shauna Robinson was on ESPN the other day. Bam racing was put together and they wanted her to be their driver. Well things didn't work out. Shauna stated she and her crew didn't have the experience to compete in the Cup series.

If Danica goes over to Cup, I hope she would sign with an experienced and well funded race team. Dario had a tough time in the Cup series also due to sponsors dropping out and signing on with a new team.; ▶ Reply to This