Auto Racing: Is Danica Patrick The Real Deal?

The Real Deal?

Danica Patrick

News about Danica Patrick is everywhere these days. If she isn't racing across your television in IndyCar, she is on a GoDaddy commercial, or even all over the internet. A few months back she posed in Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit edition.

At 26 years old she is the youngest female in IndyCar. And she is the only female to ever lead the Indy 500. Not bad for someone who shouldn't be in racing according to guys like Richard Petty. She did also win her first ever Indy race this season at Montegi. Not bad either.

Danica is currently one of three women in IndyCar. But is she the real deal, or not? I mean so far women have proved that they can compete, just not necessarily beat out the men in most cases. Except for Ashley Force, daughter of NHRA great John Force. Whenever you beat your own father in a competition, you are alright by most people's standards. Although I don't really believe that any female has really had to live up to the challenge that Ms. Patrick has. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't really see a lot of women racing drivers on Sports shows, and then see an interview with a prominent racing man saying that she shouldn't be racing or can't compete.

There has been talk going around town that IndyCar is thinking of making a mandatory weight for all drivers, so that each driver and their car is on a level weight field. Is this unfair to Danica Patrick, as she only weighs I think 100 lbs when wet... Is this a rule to hurt Patrick, or is it something that will actually even the playing field?

Danica is without a doubt the most popular female racing driver ever and it's a shame in my mind that she gets as much crap as she does. I don't think there is anything wrong with a female in racing, as long as that female doesn't use her womanness against her competition. So far I don't see where she has done this, simply by the mixed reactions the media and other pro drivers have reacted towards her.

Maybe I'm biased because I think she is amazingly good looking. In fact, she can whoop my ass on the race track any day, so long as she takes me home with her afterwards. Too bad she's married...

What do you guys think?

Josh from RawAutos.com

Photo taken from Motor Trend