Yes, Danica Patrick belongs in NASCAR

In this photograph taken by AP Images for Hot Wheels - (L-R) Kelley Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Danica Patrick at the Daytona International Speedway where Hot Wheels announced its return to NASCAR through a partnership with JR Motorsports in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, February 6, 2010. (Julie Fletcher/AP Images for Hot Wheels)

In news that should shock exactly no one, Danica Patrick has opted to drive in this Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Daytona. There is no truth to the rumor her car will bear a "I Survived ARCA" sticker, although the fine fun time she had in same is pretty much why she's making another restrictor plate run.

While shutting out the hype and the heat about Patrick for the purpose of focusing on her as a race car driver seems to be a rare commodity indeed, let's give it a go, shall we? She acquitted herself well in the ARCA event at Daytona this past Saturday, driving a relatively cautious race and recovering nicely from Nelson "And They Wonder Why I'm Not In Formula One Anymore" Piquet's driving inability to both save her skidding car and return to the fray. Yes, the publicity and media focus can rapidly reach overkill. That said, the woman can drive, and she has earned her place in the sport.

It'll be interesting to see how she fares this Saturday. The overall level of competition will be significantly higher, as she'll be facing a field peppered with Cup drivers including her current sort-of boss Dale Earnhardt Jr. Which actually should be a good thing, given that Patrick won't have to exert quite as much energy wondering which joker will be the next one to practice stunt flying maneuvers coming out of the turn. Or on the straightaway. At any rate, the superior skill level will be somewhat negated by the fact it's still Daytona, where anything will happen. Er, can happen. No, had it right the first time.

The genuine test of Patrick in the Nationwide series will take place the following week at Auto Club, formerly California, Speedway. How will she adapt to driving a stock car at an open wheel track? Will the amount and level of communication be sufficient for Tony Eury Jr. to make the right calls for adjustments during the race? (Whether he's capable of making the right calls period is another matter. But I digress.)  When it comes to actual racing, its lore notwithstanding Daytona is an anomaly. Auto Club is reality. The season-opening excitement and media frenzy won't be nearly as intense, although perhaps Danica's presence will make the L.A. media notice there's a race in the area that weekend. But it will be Auto Club when we learn far more than we know now or will know after this Saturday.

A side note. Yes, it is unfortunate that Kelly Bires, who's slotted to drive the #88 for JRM this season, will have to sit out Daytona. That duly noted, it's the reality of business. Unless there's immediate family in the area, even with the instant noticeability that comes courtesy of any racing association with Dale Jr., Bires being in a race is not going to put more than five people in the seats at any track. Danica? Whole 'nutter matter. What's fair has nothing to do with what's marketable and sells. Mrs. Hospenthal moves merchandise. Check, please. In more ways than one.

Here's looking forward to what should be a most interesting day before Valentines Day. That said, the race at Daytona will be overshadowed by an even bigger race... husbands and boyfriends dashing to and fro trying to find a gift for that special someone the next day.