Danica Patrick Taken Out of Las Vegas Race

The Nationwide Series, Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was Danica Patrick’s last race until after the IndyCar Series. She will return to the Nationwide Series in June. So, how did Danica do Saturday? She was doing good until Michael McDowell took her out in the 85th lap of this 200 lap race. Michael McDowell took the blame for causing the crash that took Patrick out.

Danica gave an interview before the race stating that she would be happy if she just finished the race. She didn’t finish last week’s race. These things happen in racing. If Patrick wishes to become a serious Nationwide driver, she needs to accept that accidents will happen. As a veteran Indy racer, she should know this.

What I don’t understand, is why she has a problem talking to the press after a race. She draws a lot of attention from the media, and needs to be happy instead of upset that they want to interview. There are a lot of drivers that are not getting the attention they deserve because the media is focused on Patrick right now. If she doesn’t make an attitude adjustment, the fans that she is winning over will drop her like a hot potato. We don’t like drivers that don’t take the time to interact with us and the media. It makes them appear to be a diva.

One last point, if Danica is going to be a Nationwide Series driver, she needs to commit full time. That means that she needs to drop the IndyCar Series. I’m not saying that she needs to do it this year. She is already committed. Next year, if she intends to continue racing in the Nationwide Series, she needs to do so full time. Racing a few races, stopping to race in the Indy, and then coming back will not do it. The Nascar Nationwide Series fans want their drivers on the track every week.

What Not To Do During Daytona Week or Any Race

Are you for racing? Are you ready for the Daytona 500? If you are not a race fan, let me explain a few things. The racing season kicks off in Daytona, FL. My husband has been watching as much of the coverage as his schedule has allowed. My husband's side of the family are big NASCAR fans. I knew nothing about racing when my husband and I started dating.

We've been married 11 years and I like to think that I have learned a few things. For instance:

1. DO NOT make plans for my husband during Daytona Week.

2. DO NOT send my husband out to the store in the middle of a race.

3. DO NOT try to have a conversation during a race that is not directly related to the race.

4. DO NOT like Jeff Gordon!!!

5. DO make fun of Jeff Gordon!!

6. DO like Richard Petty, Mark Martin, and Bill Elliot!

7. DO say "Yes" when you are asked to attend a race in person.

8. DO take earplugs and a headset radio to a live race.

9. DO love having cars displayed all around your house.

and most importantly.....

10. DO pick your own favorite driver!!

I hope this helps a little. Since this is a racing family, I will be following the race and blogging about it on occasions. Here is the link to view the complete starting line-up for the Daytona 500. Mark Martin is the pole sitter (that's the driver that is in the #1 position at the start of the race). Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is in the 2nd position. Two drivers that did not make the race, and I wish they had, are Casey Mears and Dave Blaney. One driver that I have already spotted the small Autism Ribbon on his car is Michael Waltrip. Let me know when you spot other cars with the Autism Ribbon on them.