Power, Tracy Show Danica Some Respect

Jeff Pappone

Toronto — Globe and Mail

Despite claiming to have “pretty good legs,” Will Power probably won't be asked to pose in a bikini any time soon.

But the some-time Penske driver is glad fellow IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick has what it takes to grace the pages of a swimsuit edition.

Power, from Toowoomba, Australia, needs to raise sponsorship money and he thinks being on the outer edges of Patrick's shining star helps other drivers in the series find backers.

“She's a good thing because she attracts attention and sponsors to the series. And she's the real deal. She's a very good driver and does get lots of spotlight, but rightly so,” said Power, who is technically the defending champion in Toronto after winning the city's final Champ Car race in 2007.

“It helps the series out having someone like Danica there and we can use as much help as we can in getting sponsors.”

Patrick spawned a wave of “Danica-mania” when she entered the IndyCar Series in 2005. In that rookie year, she almost became the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500, but finished fourth after slowing on the final few laps to conserve fuel.

While attracting sponsors may be easier when you're not one of the guys, Power's predicament is a sign of the times, especially with the economy bottoming out harder than the Dallara-Honda IndyCars will on the bumpy 11-turn, 2.824-kilometre temporary street course at Exhibition Place in Toronto this weekend. The action starts today with practice sessions for Sunday's 85-lap Honda Indy Toronto.

Unfortunately, the rest of the IndyCar drivers may not have the Danica beacon much longer. With the 27-year-old Andretti-Green driver rumoured to be in talks with several NASCAR teams for 2010, the IndyCar series stands to lose its most valuable asset.

“I think it would make it very difficult and the series needs to keep her as long as it can,” said Paul Tracy, who will drive for KV Racing. “She's still under 30 years old, so I think she has time to wait to go to NASCAR. A couple more years of experience would help her.

“The more people she touches, the better it is for the IndyCar Series.”

Like Power, Toronto native Tracy also continues his search for a full-time drive in the series after running a limited schedule this year.

The Thrill from West Hill signed a one-race deal with Vision Racing to drive in the IndyCar Series' Canadian debut at Edmonton last season and astonished most with a fourth-place finish. But with no cash behind him, the result was not enough to keep him in the car.

This year, Tracy has started only three of nine races, with his best result a ninth in the Indianapolis 500. He replaced the injured Vitor Meira for one race with A.J. Foyt Enterprises before returning to KV Racing last weekend at Watkins Glen, N.Y.

With his season sputtering, Tracy finds it difficult to use the no-holds-barred style that made him infamous – and successful – in his racing career.

“Just jumping in every once in a while isn't easy,” said the 2003 Champ Car champion.

“Obviously, I want to finish races and that's the most important thing, but we are going to go for it this weekend. We hope this is an opportunity to build a program for next year.”

Power is also looking to 2010 after he found himself on the sidelines this year when his sponsor, Aussie Vineyards, pulled out at the end of 2008.

In his three starts for Penske in 2009, Power finished in the top six in each race, including an impressive fifth in the Indy 500. But he hasn't been in the car for the five races since Indianapolis.

“I'm happy just to get my foot in the door and maybe there will be something there for the future,” Power said.

“The better I do, I hope it helps me more for next year.”