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BY KAVEH KAGHAZI
 

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Let Danica Mania begin again. Danica Patrick, one of racing’s most polarizing figures announced Thursday she will be joining NASCAR full time starting in 2012.

NASCAR.com’s Bill Kimm believes Patrick’s full-time move to the Nationwide Series offers the 29-year-old a more consistent presence in the sport.  

“It’s absolutely a great move for the sport and I think it’s a great move for her too. Look, I’ve said it before on the show, she’s not gonna be successful unless she commits to it. She’s gotta be full time to be successful. This one race a month thing ain’t gonna get it done. She’s been good, but she’s not gonna become great until she really concentrates on this and so by her coming full time and spending all of her energy and all of her resources into the Nationwide Series, yeah, she’s naturally gonna get better.”


There is no doubting Patrick’s popularity. CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell estimates Patrick will bring around 40 million dollars to the sport over the next two to three years. But Rovell tells ESPN there is mounting pressure on Patrick to live up to the hype.

“I think the novelty of her is gone and the question is as she turns 30 next year whether it’s gone forever if she doesn’t win. I think winning is a very key component that’s certainly necessary to talk about when it comes to Danica.”

Patrick will run a full season on the Nationwide Series along with eight to ten Sprint Cup races next year. One speed.com blogger believes, whether she wins or not, Patrick’s presence in NASCAR will provide an immediate impact on the sport.

“She sparkles. Publicity follows her wherever she goes. She is a walking, talking, very fast commercial property of immense value – and this even before her performance level can be accurately measured.”


In six Nationwide races this year, Patrick has finished at an average of 15th place. A tri-cities.com writer says NASCAR has fallen into the trap of relying on entertainment over sport and Patrick’s legacy will ultimately hinge on her success on the racetrack.

“Sadly, public relations and sex appeal has become a vital component to success in NASCAR. Patrick may have fallen in love with this form of racing, but she needs to show more substance instead of relying on style.”

 

Transcript by Newsy.