The Official Danica Patrick Fan Site

The Jealousy of Danica-Mania

I couldn't have said this any better myself, so pat on the back to HedgeHog :

http://www.thinkinguncommon.com/blog/?p=1396

It’s been interesting to watch and listen to the feedback from drivers (at every level and series) and the main NASCAR beat writers response to Danica Mania hitting NASCAR. Some has been favorable, some has been diplomatic, some has been simple jealousy.

Some of the comments what I would classify under the “jealousy” category are just plain ignorant though - from drivers and media alike:

-Take for example the “writer” who says he feels so bad about Nationwide races being treated as tests (ie taking a shot at Danica), and that it should be used for drivers to hone their craft on the way up the ladder to Cup vs. a training session (ie shot at Danica). What he fails to realize is the economics of racing today. You have teams like JR Motorsports with backing from the most popular driver (is it 10 years running now) that cannot secure full season sponsorship for the 88 team; teams like the #18 JGR NNS ride that sponsors want Kyle Busch in the seat in order to spend their money. More and more teams are running multiple sponsorship programs, and limited schedules because that is the present day racing economics.

It’s pretty obvious that sponsors today are only willing to give their money up on “known” drivers (ie Cup drivers). Without the Cup drivers coming down and without drivers like Danica that can bring their own sponsorship - there would be NO Nationwide series. Nationwide wouldn’t sponsor it (or cut the spend & activation significantly), TV wouldn’t cover it, races wouldn’t be held at top venues, the economics wouldn’t allow it - its all a trickle down effect.

Going one step further in relation to that same “writer” - he was let go from NASCAR Scene recently in one of their round of layoffs. What’s interesting about that? Well when you consider the media storm coverage Danica’s gotten - maybe if she was in NASCAR last year that round of layoffs would have never occured. It’s a proven fact TV ratings are up (ARCA up 87% - NNS Daytona most viewed series race ever on cable, and overall coverage of NASCAR is up because of Danica this season. Something to think about…

-The driver comments about too much coverage of Danica show they just plain don’t get it either. That coverage is bringing eyeballs to your sport. Eyeballs from media, fans, and potential sponsors that may have never looked at Nationwide before. With TV ratings and media coverage up sponsors may take another look at the benefits of sponsorship in the Nationwide Series. DW made a very intelligent comment last week on the air - that everyone should see the coverage of Danica as a huge bonus - because of the eyeballs it brings to the sport overall, and that is so true. Instead of sitting at home crying on Twitter about how much coverage Danica is getting - maybe these drivers should be reworking their sponsorship pitches based on the increased coverage she’s bringing to the Series. But then again - nah that would be asking a lot of a driver and team looking for a big break wouldn’t it.

-Finally to the drivers who have expressed the “she can’t drive” direct and in-direct shots. If you really believe that then that means over in the Open Wheel series there are only 4 drivers that can drive - since Danica finished 5th during the 2009 season. And since you say Danica can’t drive - it must be a pretty easy transition to go run open wheel for you, so hey here’s your big opportunity to prove how much YOU can “drive”. So get your sponsor and go run upfront every race on TV in Indycar. In fact give us a call, we look forward to doing your website now that you’ll be a top-5 driver.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Todd Miller on February 21, 2010 at 10:13pm: A good article. To bad it won't get more exposure. She has been getting some fair press from high places. For the most part, most of the drivers seem to get it; her driving talent, marketability and what it brings to the sport.

Thanks Damon for the post.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gene Benn on February 22, 2010 at 8:44am: Excellent piece,the cry babies need to look at what Danica brings to the NASCAR table! What do they have to offer?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim Huntington on February 22, 2010 at 10:45am: I never saw daddy Dale drive but I know he is a racing icon. Jr has had flashes of brilliance, from what I know and last week at Daytona his charge at the end was dazzling, even if he feel one place short. I give Danica great props for being willing to risk failure to try a difficult new venture and only time will tell if she succeeds. It is informative to see how Montoya and especially Hornish are still struggling with stock cars, even though they were very successful and winning open wheel guys. From all the Danica enviers, whiners and bitchers among the drivers, I'd like to see any one of them hop into a Honda Dallara and acquit themselves well in ICS. Danica is a stunning, appealing woman,who has a rare combo of beauty, character, guts, panache and authenticity. She can also drive and has improved consistently at every level of racing she has attacked. At nearly 28, she is still growing and maturing and the best is likely yet to come. I hope for her sake, that is the case.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Damon on February 22, 2010 at 11:00am: Dale Jr. has 18 Cup wins, 2 Busch (Nationwide) titles and won the 2004 Daytona 500, I'm tired of people acting like he's a scrub who has never won a race at any level.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gene Benn on February 22, 2010 at 4:01pm: Been a Earnhardt Sr.& Jr. fan since the Wrangler days, Danica is going to be an extension to the Earnhardt family in NASCAR. Jr will be alright, I can remember Dale Sr. having a slump and coming back to win Daytona 500. You naysayers keep it to yourself!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Reggie on February 22, 2010 at 5:29pm: Exactly, Jr. is a very talented driver, he's just had bad luck hit him more often than not recently. The two Busch title speak for themselves, and he has more Cup wins than the current Daytona 500 champion, which doesn't discredit McMurray's 500 victory one bit. People need to lighten up on Jr, they expect him to be his father, which is something neither he, nor anyone else will be able to do

Damon said:
Dale Jr. has 18 Cup wins, 2 Busch (Nationwide) titles and won the 2004 Daytona 500, I'm tired of people acting like he's a scrub who has never won a race at any level.; ▶ Reply to This