Danica Patrick’s inaugural NASCAR season includes Dover visit

    NASCAR’s fall visit to Dover, Delaware just got a bit more interesting. One of racing biggest personalities, Danica Patrick, will enter that weekend’s Nationwide Series race on the Monster Mile.

    NASCAR’s second visit to Dover, Delaware in 2010  just got a bit more interesting.  One of racing biggest personalities, Danica Patrick, will enter that weekend’s Nationwide series race, September 25th, on the Monster Mile.

    “We heard a rumor that there was a chance that she’d be running at that second Dover race,” said Dover Speedway Director of Public Relations Gary Camp. “So,we were thrilled when the information came out that confirmed that she would be here in September.  That will definitely be a  little added value opportunity for our fans to see Danica live and in person.”

    Patrick, who became the first woman to win an Indy Car series race back in 2008, is trying her hand on the NASCAR circuit for the first time in 2010, running a limited Nationwide series schedule to go with her IndyCar schedule.  Her NASCAR race team, JR Motorsports, has announced one of the 12 races she will enter is the September “Dover 200” at Dover International Speedway.

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    “I’m thrilled to announce our 2010 Nationwide Series schedule,” said Patrick. “Like I’ve said before, we just want to be smart and calculative about this process.  The tracks we’ve selected not only compliment the IndyCar schedule, but will give me quality seat time at a variety of facilities.”

    While it may take Patrick some time to learn the NASCAR ropes, she is expected to have an immediate impact with fans.

    “I’m optimistic that it will open up the sport to a new fan base and bring people out that are open wheel fans,”  said Camp, “Or maybe more women will want to come out and see what it’s all about.”

    Patrick could run in a 13th race, the February 13th Nationwide Series opener at Daytona.  Patrick’s No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet is entered in that event, but its driver will not be determined until after Patrick’s race in the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) event on Feb. 6.

    Patrick’s appearance in Saturday’s Nationwide Series race this September will be paired with Sunday’s Sprint Cup series “Dover 400”, which is race number two in the 10 race “Chase for the Sprint Cup” championship.

    “There’s definitely some added hype and excitement around that Chase race.  Now, that she’ll be here on property, hopefully we can convince her to help us with some appearances and some interaction with the fans,” said Camp.  “That would be great for them to see her up close and personal here in Delaware.”

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