Danica Patrick announced Thursday at a press conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., that she will drive a full NASCAR Nationwide schedule in 2012 for JR Motorsports and also 8 - 10 races for Stewart-Haas Racing. She did not confirm her exact Sprint Cup plans for 2013 season, but said her goal is to move to Sprint Cup full time.
"I see great things for Danica," said Stewart shortly before today's news conference. "Danica doesn't hold back. She really is a fearless competitor. She's taken a systematic approach to her stock car career, which is smart. I think with the support she has from Go Daddy, Dale Jr. and all of us at Stewart-Haas Racing, Danica has a very promising NASCAR future."
Patrick’s Sprint Cup schedule for SHR was not announced but she indicated she would like to compete in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Patrick made her NASCAR debut in the ARCA series in 2010 at Daytona.
“I have definitely enjoyed going to Daytona,” she said.
Patrick made her announcement at the Scottsdale headquarters of her current sponsor GoDaddy.com. She will drive the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet in the Nationwide series but did not know what her Sprint Cup number would be with SHR.
Tony Stewart has avoided media question since the AP reported several weeks ago that Patrick would drive a partial 2012 schedule for SHR. Stewart pointed out, however, that his goal has always been to expand his Stewart-Haas Racing team to three or even four cars. Sponsorship money has always been a critical part but Patrick comes with GoDaddy.com sponsors in hand.
Patrick said additional announcements about her plans will be made when they are finalized.
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