(Photo courtesy of SI)
Danica Patrick picked up her first victory earlier this year, but she’s still fighting for respect on the track. Some groups consider her an IRL gimmick that’s using her femininity instead of her skills to advance. Fellow driver Scott Dixon says Danica Patrick is a menace on the track. Chief steward of the IRL, Brian Barnhart, said Danica’s reputation can be damaged by the other driver’s accusations.
“What I think is happening is that guys are getting a little frustrated (with her). She needs to be a little careful that if things aren’t going so well (with her car), she needs to treat her fellow competitors with respect, and if she doesn’t, that will probably come back to cost her.”
Barnhart also stated that he didn’t see anything unsportsmanlike in Danica Patrick’s driving during the IndyCar series race at Iowa Speedway last weekend. DP feels she’s done enough to earn her props and to hell with you if you’re not giving her any.
“I would hope that I’ve earned the respect of the drivers; it’s something I’ve worked hard for. I’ve always made sure that when I’ve been in a situation that’s not ideal that I cut slack around me and made sure that I did that because it would come back (to me).
“I have the respect of my teammates and that, to be honest, is the only thing important to me,”
I don’t think she’s being completely honest. The respect from her teammates should be most important but league wide respect is necessary. I know she’d rather be considered a winner and fierce competitor than “the cute dangerous driver.”
