4LT GS Roadster
Daytona Beach, FL - Understandably, she doesn't want to get in the way. She's come to Daytona International Speedway to learn, to ease herself into a new discipline, and not to get involved in anything controversial. More than a dozen Cup regulars are likely to take part in Saturday's Nationwide Series opener at the 2.5-mile race track, and the last thing Danica Patrick wants to become is a rolling road block.
"It's been recommended that it's not the best idea to start there," she said. "I'm not going to ignore people who are giving me advice."
And yet, a decision on when exactly the IndyCar starlet will make her initial NASCAR foray still waits, likely until Monday, after she takes part in Saturday's ARCA event on the big speedway. That verdict won't necessarily be based solely on results -- Patrick is looking for a certain feeling, a sign that she can compete, and whether that means finishing in the top 10 or making up 20 positions during the course of the event, she still isn't sure. No question, a place high on the scoring pylon would be nice. But the final call on whether she makes her Nationwide debut at Daytona, or waits until an already-scheduled start Feb. 20 at Auto Club Speedway, will probably hinge on less tangible elements.
"If I don't finish up front, and I came through the day and felt good about the things I've learned, that might be enough," she said. "I think at the end of the day it would be nice to have a good result, but it's probably going to be more off the feeling that I have, and how many little mistakes I made, and how comfortable I am with the different situations."
Patrick's ARCA debut - NASCAR.com
