One of the loudest buzzes in motor sports the past couple of weeks comes in the form of one tiny, but potent, package -- Danica Patrick. Does she dare make the daunting move from the IndyCar Series to NASCAR?
Only those close to her know Danica's true intentions, but we can say with certainty she is a savvy business woman. Making public her willingness to entertain any and all offers from both series is a prudent business decision. Danica may have every intention of remaining in the IndyCar Series and simply jumping from Andretti-Green Racing to Chip Ganassi's team, so she could very well be using the NASCAR chatter as a bargaining chip. She possesses the driving ability and marketing appeal to demand her price and place.
The fine folks at Sports Rubbish uncovered a little video of one Ms. Danica Patrick entering pit row (that's what they call it outside of NASCAR, right y'all?) and hitting one of her crew members. Now, I've never actually driven a race car, so I don't want to judge Patrick for her inability to a) do her job or b) steer said car at a low speed, but really? That's what the "brake pedal" and "steering wheel" are for, Danica.
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -- Tony Stewart is off to such a strong first season as a team owner, he's already open to expansion.
The Sprint Cup Series points leader said Friday he'd consider adding a third team to Stewart-Haas Racing next year if the right combination was available. Although he promised his team not to expand too quickly, their success so far this season has made him consider his options.
"I wanted to make sure we had two cars that were competitive and had a chance to win a championship," he said Friday at Infineon Raceway. "I'm proud of the fact that I think we're at that point. So if the right situation came along, we would entertain it."
Boost Mobile -- it's a classy company that allows you to pay per month for cell phone minutes in advance. It's also the company that's now rocking out a new commercial featuring Danica Patrick signing mens' breasts. So, yeah, classy as all get out. (Although still pretty funny, so credit to the marketing people who continue to find hilarious/attractive ways to get Danica involved in advertising, even if they did manage to cheese off the transgender demographic.)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The 93rd running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing lived up to the billing on Sunday with wild action (eight caution periods), a historic finish (Danica Patrick's third place) and a popular victory (Helio Castroneves' third Indy win).
Here's a look at some other storylines from Sunday's Indianapolis 500:
INDIANAPOLIS -- After parking his race car in front of the main grandstands -- still emotional after claiming a dramatic third Indianapolis 500 victory -- Helio Castroneves tried to climb out and celebrate.
"A yellow shirt [security] guy kind of pulled me in, he was literally holding my helmet and myself there in the car,'' said Castroneves, laughing about the scenario. "Finally I saw the team come to me and I said, 'I'm sorry, I've got to get out.' "
INDIANAPOLIS -- The newly mellow version of Danica Patrick clearly still knows how to use every bit of finesse and gumption available when it comes to the race of races, the Indianapolis 500.
A career best-third place effort in Sunday's Indy 500 is her fourth top-10 finish in five starts. It's the best ever showing for a woman, but more importantly a great result for anyone.
"I'm doing my job," said Patrick, who finished behind winner Helio Castroneves and Dan Wheldon. "My job is to finish as high as I can and I'm glad about that shift [in thinking].
"I'm glad people are seeing it more as a good finish from a good driver [not as the best finish for a woman]."
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has kicked off its 100th birthday celebration with the closest Indy 500 starting field in history, the largest crowd in recent memory and a vibe reminiscent of the race's heyday.
Even NASCAR's "King" Richard Petty will be trackside today as Jim Nabors sings "Back Home Again in Indiana" -- to wrap up a traditional pre-race show unlike anything in sports.
Sure, the Penske and Ganassi and Andretti Green teams are odds-on favorites to win today's Indianapolis 500. But with the reunification of the two open-wheel series last year, the grid boasts a legitimate 13-14 contenders and has finally put to rest the notion that Indy has lost its competitive edge.
FH writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller are taking part in both major American races this weekend. Here, they go Wheel2Wheel on some major issues facing each sport.
There's been lots of talk about Danica Patrick this week moving to NASCAR. We'll ask again: is this for real?
Holly Cain: While Danica is clearly enjoying her flirtation with NASCAR, I don't think it's a real option - yet as much as a bargaining ploy to land a good IndyCar ride.
Geoffrey Miller: I couldn't agree more, though a move by her would be a tremendous short-term gain for NASCAR in terms of a new character in the garage.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Even as Danica Patrick answered questions about her chances in Sunday's Indianapolis 500, Indy Car's most famous driver said Thursday that she remained open to a future in NASCAR.
Patrick, who will start 10th Sunday, said she will listen to offers from any NASCAR teams interested in signing her, but reiterated, "this is my home" referring to the Indy Car Series. Her contract with Andretti Green Racing (AGR) is up at the end of the season and speculation has put her everywhere from NASCAR to Formula One to returning to the championship AGR organization.
"It's a contract year and I'm going to look at everything," Patrick said. "I will look at NASCAR."
One of the loudest buzzes in motor sports the past couple of weeks comes in the form of one tiny, but potent, package -- Danica Patrick. Does she dare make the daunting move from the IndyCar Series to NASCAR?
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -- 
INDIANAPOLIS -- The newly mellow version of 
FH writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller are taking part in both major American races this weekend. Here, they go Wheel2Wheel on some major issues facing each sport.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Even as 
