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With reports of Danica Patrick set to sign a deal that would make her a full-time NASCAR driver in 2012, there is speculation surrounding if she will continue to at least race in the Indy 500, one of the most prestigious events in sports.
And if her contract allows, Patrick should absolutely race the Indianapolis 500.
In her seven career starts in the Indy 500, Patrick has finished in the top 10 six times, including a third-place finish in 2009. It's been her trademark race in the IndyCar series, and the race that has gained her the most publicity.
Patrick has had some good finishes in the IndyCar series, but by leaning toward NASCAR, she's taking the next step, a step that could see her finish well off her average mark.
On the other hand, her time in IndyCar, and with Andretti Autosport, had clearly run its course. She was stagnant, weighed down by technical failures and a problematic team. She could have stayed in IndyCar, but would that have really challenged her?
Her greatest challenge, and she knows it, is racing in NASCAR.
But while I believe it's the right move for her, there's no doubt that the Indy 500 has been Patrick's home for several years, and abandoning it is abandoning a lot of what made her who she is.
Why abandon a source of comfort, especially when she undoubtedly will suffer some tough times at NASCAR?
On top of that, as much as NASCAR is needed for Patrick, fans also need her at the Indy 500. It's the same race she burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2005, finishing fourth. The same race where she broke ground for women in auto racing. The same place she sparked her popularity with her GoDaddy ads.
By heading to NASCAR, but still racing the Indy 500, Patrick moves on to bigger and better things, while still remembering where she came from.
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