Your Thoughts on Danica...

[bigolepig]

Okay...figure I might want to stir the pot a little here...

What is everyone's opinion so far of Danica...

Frankly, I am already sick of it...one Arca race, and one Nationwide race...sick of it. Newsflash...she is NOT the only car on the track. I think the broadcasters need to be more thoughtful to the underfunded teams and give them equal airtime. I was disgusted when they were showing her running 27th...Don't get me wrong, I would be thrilled if she did great, but between all the airtime and the commercials with her in it, I feel the sport is getting too much too soon.

(gets off soapbox);-)

[dpkimmel2001]

I understand what you're saying. The ARCA race was mostly Danica coverage. The Nationwide race covered her quite a bit too but I got to see much more of the racing until Carl Edwards took out most of the competition. The coverage will continue to move away from her but right now people are tuning in to see her and they're getting what they want. Speed had an 87% increase in viewers for the ARCA race over last years broadcast. I haven't seen the ratings for ESPN's broadcast of her Nationwide debut but be prepared to see an increase there too. People are tuning in because they are interested.

I wouldn't have normally watched the ARCA race but I did this year. I'm also one of those people that wouldn't have watched the coverage of the Nationwide practice, but I did this time. I also made time to watch her Nationwide debut on Saturday. I find it interesting to watch her story unfold as she enters into NASCAR. She's bringing attention to the sport. She'll bring in viewers. She'll put more butts in the stands. All of those are good things IMO. I wish her well. http://www.racing-forums.com/vb/images/smilies/beerbang.gif

http://forum.phun.org/images/smilies/new/more/drive.gif

[DCNascarFan]

The Nationwide race covered her quite a bit too but I got to see much more of the racing until Carl Edwards took out most of the competition.

You forgot to add... "AGAIN at a restrictor plate track" to the end of that sentence. ;-)

I am no Danica fan - personally I don't like the racy ads or the sex object image that she (or her PR handlers) have created. If I had kids I'm not sure I would be too happy with those GoDaddy ads. She's had a few too many interviews where she refers to herself as a "brand" - to me it comes out as more passion for the brand rather than the racing.

That being said, I agree with dpkimmel 100% - I normally would not watch an Arca race, I did....watched Nationwide practice.... and made it a point to be home for the entire Nationwide race yesterday. Ratings and attendance have been trending down the last few years - IMO anything that brings more fans is a good thing.

I do agree Pig the coverage on TV comes at the sacrifice of other drivers. ESPN is the worst when it comes to companies that advertise on their network and coverage of the driver - I'm afraid its going to be Danicamania every time she's in a race. Now if she continues to run in the back of the pack and still gets coverage, then I'm going to get annoyed. Either way, it will be interesting to watch.

BTW, my wife loves her!

[Lance]

I'm glad Danica is part of the effort to bring attention and focus back to NASCAR. She is making a good contribution. I do think she is getting a disproportionate amount of attention, however. For instance, Chrissy Wallace also ran in the Nationwide race. Shouldn't she have more recognition for her accomplishments other that the brief interview after she wrecked?

Althought I like the sexy pictures of Danica has posted on the Internet, I question if she should promote herself as a sex pot while trying to gain recognition as a skilled professional driver. Ultimately, her staying power will depend on her skill as a driver and not on her looks.

[Instigator]

Danica Mania is a bit too much. I think in the ARCA race there were 6 or 7 other women in the race. But you wouldn't know it because of all the attention of Danica. But I think if she makes the move, she is going to do much better than people may think. I listened to her on the scanner for the whole time that she was running and there was a big improvement just in the few laps that she was out there. I don't know who her spotter was but their communication, questions and coaching, was the best I have ever heard. I think she is going to do damn well.

[racenut]

All the attention is kinda like Little Jim Johnson to me. "Heres a quick shot of the 4 wide for the lead, and let's check on the 48 riding around by himself in 24th" I guess when you win 4 cups in a row you get that, or when your name is Earnhardt. ;) Remember it's all in fun!
Honestly I think if she goes full time I think she'll do ok, if for nothing else she has some talent and she has a good team (and a well funded team) and she can BRING sponsors with her. If she brings more women to the track, well... better than sitting beside "big sweaty dude" any day!

[us2bfast]

Well if trailer activity is any indication some one made a great deal There were long lines at her trailer for the small amount of stuff available. Next to her was the four time champ about a dozen people milling about and the outher side was the Earnhardt trailer with a couple people around (this was on Thursday). I think its great. When Janet,Lynn and Shawna were here they garnered some extra air time too. At least we know she's in good equipment. Race on Girl !!!

[gantman]

Wow, clearly a hot topic, but the problem seems to be more with the media than anyone else. We all have our favorite drivers (and least favorite), but I get tired of anyone that the media begins to harp on then won't leave it alone! I'm a Jr fan and even I get tired of hearing DW talk and talk and talk and talk .........., but then again I got tired of him in the 80's. It's amazing to me that the media continues to deliver their broadcast in an all or nothing manner. Sure I want to know about Danica, I'm a guy, I want to see the pictures too!! But, I am a race fan and if you have new fans tuning in so spread the love, teach them what we have know for years, any racing is good racing! I think Danica is a very talented driver and I respect the way she is entering NASCAR, trying to learn and get seat time. Remember "Sliced Bread"? You don't hear that much any more. Time will dull the shine and we will get back to those who make the racing great. Till then you have to admit most people didn't even know there was an ARCA race!!
I am so glad the season has started!!!!

[bigolepig]

I love the sliced bread comment...great point. It didn't take him long to go from sliced bread to toast...I have to agree, he has talent, and will eventually be groomed into a great driver, but you have to be able to live up to the hype.

Like it was said before, there ARE other female drivers in the field, I think the media maybe needs to give them some fair ratio of time to what they are giving Miss Patrick. I realize they are not "sensations" yet...and are no names...but with out the coverage, they won't stand a chance. Hell my husband saw that Jenni Jo Cobb girl and said "Damn...she is hotter than Danica"...Seemed like she had a pretty good personality with her whole AC/DC thing going on...(anyway...side track...;) )

Danica will bring the crowds...and bring a whole new legion of fans with her. Just don't forget about the other 42 drivers on any given day...:rolleyes:

[mokanmikey]

Just a couple of observations from Daytona regarding Danica, I thought it was interesting she was hugged by everyone during the driver introductions and Chrissy Wallace was just given a hand shake.... A little bias here already?

Her comment that Goodyear should make a tire that won't smoke so much so she could see through it when the cars go sideways... Glad Tony didn't say that or the press would hound him on that comment..

Danica is the news today and like any news story the press will do it and over do it till we are all sick of it, but the real fans will make up their own minds on how she handles her self on the track over time.. not just a couple races..

[DCNascarFan]

I'm sure some of it will die down after Vegas. If she's still planning on the same schedule I read before, I don't think she runs another NW race until 6/26 at Loudoun. That's about 4 months - long time!!

[TURTLEDOVER]

MY THOUGHTS ON DANICA......

I'M SORRY I CAN'T PUT THEM DOWN IN THIS POST, I DON'T WANT TO GET KICKED OFF THE SITE. DO WE HAVE A "XXX" SECTION ?
http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz168/TURTLEDOVER/rookiestailgaite2.jpg

[Nascarfan]

After watching Danica at Daytona, we can see that she can indeed drive, however it is going to take quite some time for her to master a stock car. As we know Nascar racing can be a high stakes contact sport. Let's all see during the season how Danica handles as they say, "Rubbin is Racin".

I'm glad that the ARCA and Nationwide series are finally gettng some much need coverage.Hopefully the sponsors will see value in supporting these teams. I cannot understand why people don't attend or watch these series. Racing is racing, and the action is fast.

[racenut]

"I'm glad that the ARCA and Nationwide series are finally gettng some much need coverage.Hopefully the sponsors will see value in supporting these teams. I cannot understand why people don't attend or watch these series. Racing is racing, and the action is fast."

Truth is sometimes they (including trucks) are better than the Cup races. Sometimes not, but worth a look.

[Ckerr]

Interesting conversation.

For my 2 cents I think she's a talented driver with something of a track record in another motorsports segment. She's gets more attention than other drivers, but right now it's bringing attention to ARCA and Nationwide that is really needed.

As far as the "sexpot" stuff... No one is complaining about the Carl Edwards ads/photos showing off the six pack... Really the same thing as far as I can tell. If you listen to Danica herself, she's clearly focused on the racing, but also understands that what is needed to get ahead with the rest of business. It's complicated out there...

Will be interesting to see what she does in California.

[bigolepig]

I have NOOOOOOOOOOOO problem with Carl...None!! ;) And you can put me on the record as saying "She IS Hot" (please don't label me for that comment...).

[Hydroman]

The Danica thing in my opinion is good for Nascar. They need a shot in the arm and this is doing it for now.

Lets see how she does in future races before we get too bent out of shape about an attractive and talented new face in the sport.

I wish her luck but I am sure she realizes she will have her hands full before she is totally accepted for her driving talents.

Maybe she will become the female version of JR. lots of popularity but lacking in talent.........Opps I imagine that line might raise the blood pressure of JRs nation.

Hydroman:mrgreen::mrgreen:

[rvnama]

I agree that her coverage was way overboard, but on that note, she has brought more attention to Nascar and in these economic times the more attention the better. being a racing newbie (I have only been a fan for 3 years and now I live for it) I didn't even know what ARCA was until they started promoting her in that race. I watched it and was amazed that there were 6 women in it. One woman was up in the top most of the race but they hardly mentioned her.
I will admit that after seeing Danica race (and control her car when she got in trouble) I don't think she is all fluff and I think she will enhance the sport.

[ToyotaFan]

I think it is great that she is in NASCAR! I think it is a good PR move for the sport and for Jr. I think the whole "Brand" thing is what it has taken for her to get where she is. I hope she does very well, because someone has to open the door for female racers to get into the Sprint cup. As far as hugs for Danica and handshakes for Wallace, I think alot of the drivers know Danica from the open wheel cars and therefore, feel more comfortable around her.