Monday, November 16, 2009

Danica Patrick's not coming yet, Rick Hendrick says

Okay, Danica, enough. Hurry up and make a freakin' decision already.

In the latest twist to the never-ending Danica Patrick story -- I swear, this thing has more plodding chapters than a Russian novel -- Rick Hendrick has said that there is, at present, no deal to bring Danica to NASCAR to run in a partial Nationwide season. Previously, Danica was supposed to be in the last stages of a deal to come drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports, but we've heard nothing more since then.

This past weekend in Phoenix, Hendrick, co-owner of JR Motorsports, threw a bit of cold water on the steamy Danica rumors. "I just think that [Danica and her management team] are not even close to making a decision on whether to even do it this year or next year," Hendrick said. "You never know until it's done. You never know until it's signed. And anybody can change their mind."

True enough. Danica apparently hasn't even officially signed with Andretti Green Racing to run in IndyCar next season, despite initial reports to the contrary. If I had a nickel for every new Danica rumor that's come down the pike and not come to pass, like the ones that had her teaming with Michael Waltrip or getting mentored by Tony Stewart, well, I'd be able to fund her myself.

Interestingly, Danica was apparently less than 30 miles away from the race this weekend, relaxing at her home in Scottsdale, Ariz. Why not swing by the track for a visit?

Yes, I know there are political, logistical and commercial reasons why she wouldn't show up. It would spawn a thousand rumormongering articles and get folks talking in directions that Danica and her team might not want to go. But if she's serious about NASCAR, shouldn't she be, you know, showing it a little?

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