The New Face of the IRL
Written by Josh Katinger · December 8, 2004
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Photo: IRL
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Rahal Letterman racing announced today that Danica Patrick will ascend to the IRL’s highest level as teammate to Buddy Rice and Vitor Meira in 2005. She will drive a car with a paint scheme almost identical to Rice’s. While this isn’t a highly surprising move as Rahal has made his allegiance to both the IRL and Patrick clear over the past two seasons, it is still a bit of a jolt to the sexist’s system.
Rahal.com: Rahal Letterman Racing expands Argent Mortgage/Pioneer Electronics program
IndyRacing.com: Teleconference Transcript
TSN.ca: Danica Patrick moving up in 2005
Motorsport.com: RLR - Now there are three
IRL-Live.com: Danica Patrick joins Rahal Letterman Racing
Ever since I’d first heard about Danica (and saw her photos in FHM magazine) I figured she would be just another novelty that wouldn’t make it to the highest level. I guess I was wrong. However now she faces a bigger challenge; being successful up there.
I think Sarah Fisher sucked the life out of the whole “oh a girl racer, isn’t that inspirational” bandwagon. Danica, hot though she may be, will need to show some results. Maybe not this season, but there won’t be any multi-year freebees for her. Especially with the likes of Bobby Rahal watching over her.
Regardless of what her early season results turn out to be, from the IRL’s perspective this has to be a dream come true. For a series that is almost devoid of powerful personalities Danica could be the cure, or at least some relief. Not only is she a talented driver and easy on the eyes, she also has experience in front of a camera.
I really do hope she does well. A successful female racer would add a whole new dynamic to open wheel racing - something much needed in the face of the NASCAR beast.
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We seem to be on the same wavelength today. I posted a story today on Evernham Motorsports signing female sprint-car star Erin Crocker to a development deal.
The real question in Danica’s case is concerning her FHM photos.
Which would you prefer, Danica or the yellow ‘57 Chev she is leaning on?
I choose the Chev, it has already proven its long range attraction.
Racy photos don’t make race proven drivers. Take Danica and your other favorite driver, “Milkmaid” Duno, and you can form a new team, AMR (All Mammary Racing) if you’d care to.
Hey Danica, whose your daddy? It ain’t Pedro Martinez, is it?!?
Danica has always been sporty and competitive in the Atlantic series, but that’s about it. I doubt a male driver would be given a ride with a top team given similar results.
AJ Almendinger DOMINATED that series 2 years ago, yet has only been moderately competitive in Champ.
Given that, I don’t expect Danica to be very competitive in IRL. It seems like Rahal believes a female driver, regardless of talent level, is still a viable marketing angle.
Having said that, I hope she makes me eat crow. I like and respect Rahal, and I hope this decision was made for the right reasons.