I was thinking...Danica Patrick won 4th place in the indy 500. Good for her. I'm happy for anyone who has the opportunity to drive an indy car. But I think the press is making her look like the greatest driver since....I dunno...someone really good...

But then I got to thinking about it. And I realized...

http://www.danicaracing.com/bio.shtml

She has an unregulated weight advantage. She only weighs 100lbs. Indy drivers are small, they have to be. But I'd say she's got 70lbs on most of the field. Do you know how much 70lbs equals on an indy car? That's like 1 mile per hour. In a 500 mile race, she should've lapped the field. And she only got 4th.

Anyone's thoughts?

I saw a quote from her addressing this very topic. She said she had taken alot of flak for being lighter. She then pointed out that last years winner of the 500 was in the heaviest car. I don't know if that really means anything but thought it might add to your discussion.

Next thing you know Indy drivers will look like horse jockeys. <Seabiscuit reference>They'll spend their days buried up to their necks in manure trying sweat off excess weight.</Seabiscuit reference>

Next thing you know Indy drivers will look like horse jockeys.

They already do. They look like normal people in the car, and when they get out you recognize it's only helmet and legs!

- Christian

Really, the fuss is around her success and being female. Women in high profile racing are far out numbered by men - so there's definately going to be a lot of press around it.

Is she really a good driver? I have no idea, I don't really follow Indy or her personally. I would imagine that she has to be fairly good to have placed 4th though.

Think about this in comparison with Shirley Muldowny (sp) and drag racing ... it's about the same deal, y'know what I mean? Personally, I think it'll die out eventually and she'll continue racing and hopefully win a few big ones along the way.

Plus, she's pretty hot too :)

She's a better driver than me, and likely better than I'll ever be.

I don't think she's worth all the fuss. It's not like there's never been a woman at Indy before, and frankly she made a fool out of herself there. Sure, she finished well, but she spun on a yellow flag and took out two competitors. Reeeal nice job.

If indeed she gets an F1 drive, which she very well may, I don't think she'll perform so well, if only because minimum weights there are driver + car, not just car, as they are in IRL. I, too, think that's rather unfair. Having a 50lb advantage is HUGE, especially over 500 miles.

If people are calling foul on the weight thing, then the rules should be changed to accomodate. Otherwise, I'm sick of the complaining about her weight. It seems te me that others are just using that as a lame arse excuse for why she placed ahead of them ....

I would be surprised if any of the top drivers are over 160-165 There is some advantage perhaps, but if the "men" think there a better driver, then it shouldn't matter.

I think it's great to see more women getting into motorsport and suceeding.

I don't see anyone whining or bringing up the fact that our own Subie Gal is shorter and lighter than most of the US Rally guys.

Weight is a factor, but at that level, the driver alone can have just as much of an impact.

:p

I don't see anyone whining or bringing up the fact that our own Subie Gal is shorter and lighter than most of the US Rally guys.

Weight is a factor, but at that level, the driver alone can have just as much of an impact.

:p

+12344

I don't see anyone whining or bringing up the fact that our own Subie Gal is shorter and lighter than most of the US Rally guys.

It should be noted that our own Subie Gal is a very, very vocal critic of Ms. Patrick.

Check this out:

16 June 2005

Danica shuns F1 ride

America's favourite girl racer, Danica Patrick, has reportedly turned down BAR's offer of a F1 'demo' ride at Indy. According to reports, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was instrumental in arranging the stunt for the 23-year-old, who finished an historic fourth in last month's Indy 500.

Japanese engine marque Honda was the common link between the F1 and Indy Racing League camps. But the Brackley based grand prix squad said that while Patrick might make an appearance at the United States grand prix, she would not be getting behind the wheel.

England's 'The Times' newspaper said Patrick turned down the chance to test on Thursday. The report read: "She believed the publicity stunt was set up only because she is a woman."

Former Jaguar and Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine, meanwhile, doubted that Danica Patrick had a future in F1."IRL is not the best series in the world," the Ulsterman told F1Racing.net."but for publicity it would be great.


http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=89673

Uhh... how much stuff has she received until now because she's a woman? :huh:

I am all for minimum wieghts to include driver.

Danica is a sexy young woman. Sex sells everything. This is her "ace in the hole". Other than her small weight advantage, being sexy and young will allow her go where most men were not able, willing or had the financial backing to.

She can drive a race car but is no better than any other average racer.

If people are calling foul on the weight thing, then the rules should be changed to accomodate. Otherwise, I'm sick of the complaining about her weight. It seems te me that others are just using that as a lame arse excuse for why she placed ahead of them ....

Plus to add to it, it's not all about the weight!
If she got stuck in the pitts (say a 1/10th of a sec. or so ) longer, that could
take away any advantage that weight may played.If the car was not
set-up just right then that could cancel out any advantage as well.
There's too many variable's to say it's a total weight advantage :disco:

i have seen Danica race since she was probably 7-8 years old, she was always a class below me age-wise in karting.

She is definetly talented, whether it be for a guy or girl......... If you look at any professional racing series, whether it be Champ Car, IRL, Formula 1, Le Mans..... 90% of the driver's are very talented (in f1, make that 99.9 %).

I do agree (in open wheel especially) the cars should have to weigh the same with the driver in the car, on empty fuel tanks, such as u do in karting, star mazda, etc... it makes sense.... 10 lbs on a 1400lb car, is alot bigger then 10 lbs on a 3000lb car.....

i remember running 65lbs of lead weights on my kart in order to run in the Heavy classes when i was 15 years old.....

regardless, Danica is "quick", does she deserve all the the hype, well, she is a woman in a typically man's sport..... anyway.... the one that should have the hype is Bobby Rahal, smart guy for signing a sponsorship getting cakewalk.

chad b
chadblock.com

Plus to add to it, it's not all about the weight!
If she got stuck in the pitts (say a 1/10th of a sec. or so ) longer, that could
take away any advantage that weight may played.If the car was not
set-up just right then that could cancel out any advantage as well.
There's too many variable's to say it's a total weight advantage :disco:

Of course it's not all about the weight... but that's a big factor. Sure, a better setup could negate her advantage, but I don't think anyone's going to Indy with a thrown together setup.

And a 50lbs lighter car over a 500 mile race is worth a whole heckuva lot more than 1/10th of a sec.

isnt there some kind of rule that there is a minimum weight allowed for the car including the driver ?

in IRL the cars are currently weighed without the driver...

chad b
chadblock.com

I give her credit for bringing up the fact that it was a pub stunt because she's a woman.

I will also give her some props from her interviews. She's always been very realistic and humble. She knows she's is a n00b and is willing to pay her dues.

She is worth all the fuss because you people keep talking about her. She is worth all the fuss because the media is paying attention to her. she is worth all the fuss because all this attention she gets, brings more attention to her sponsors, so she has more marketing value for a race team

She may have had some doors opened because she is an attractive woman but don't think for a second that she did not have to bust her ass and prove herself to get to those doors in the first place

Most drivers who made it to the top had doors opened for them for one reason or another. Rich/famous daddy for example

racing is 90% luck......

in her case, there are lots of sponsors out there that would love to attach their name to a woman race driver, especially one that is attractive like Danica.... anyway... like i said, bobby R. deserves credit for working with danica for the last few years....

Rahal racing will have a sportscar program next year im sure...and the driver's...Danica and his son Graham Rahal....

it's all about who you know... and timing..... ive taken on building CBRD, and have put racing on the back burner (until the end of the season, but by next year ill be back on track....meanwhile i get regular phone calls from my racing buddies who say "you wont believe this guy i just met that is going to pay for my next 4 races" or something like that....its a lot of luck, and so forth...

Danica, although she is quick also, has a lot of marketing positioning behind her...... more power to her...

chad b
chadblock.com
CBRD

I think most people forget the fact that she has little to no control about how she is prtrayed and hyped by the media. If she turned down that event because she thought it was capitalizing on her sex, then she probably just wants to race. I really don't think "Danica Patrick" is the story here. I think the story is "A woman in high profile racing".

Plus, she just turned 23. Give her as little more time. I imagine it takes a while to really hone your skills.

Besides, 4th overall is respectable regardless of gender. At least to me.

If people are calling foul on the weight thing, then the rules should be changed to accomodate. Otherwise, I'm sick of the complaining about her weight. It seems te me that others are just using that as a lame arse excuse for why she placed ahead of them ....

Exactly. Unless it's a rule, shut up.

Danica is just going though what every woman probably has to go through when they start playing on turf that is traditionally male. Sure, she's not dominating the field in her rookie year, but how often does that happen? Anything less (like 4th at Indy) and people call her a fake, a fraud, claim it was her weight, blah blah.

As for the whole exposure/popularity thing, I don't blame her for that. She's being made out to be some tomboy sexpot by the media. So, non-racers say "she's that chick who races, she's hot, i'd do her" and racers say "she just used what she is to get where she is and she doesn't deserve it." I think, in spite of that, she's doing as well as any 23-year-old could do in that situation. (if she does a spread for playboy, than i'll eat my words...)

I say give her another season after this one and see what type of driver she really is once the hype dies down.

I think most people forget the fact that she has little to no control about how she is prtrayed and hyped by the media. If she turned down that event because she thought it was capitalizing on her sex, then she probably just wants to race. I really don't think "Danica Patrick" is the story here. I think the story is "A woman in high profile racing".

Plus, she just turned 23. Give her as little more time. I imagine it takes a while to really hone your skills.

Besides, 4th overall is respectable regardless of gender. At least to me.
My Parents always sais I was a loser, so I'm good with a 4th place :D

I think most people forget the fact that she has little to no control about how she is prtrayed and hyped by the media

I think she probably approved this shot
http://www.indymotorspeedway.com/05pics/danica110.jpg

And this one..
http://www.indymotorspeedway.com/05pics/danica109.jpg

Etc.

I agree with all the marketing and media posts in this thread ... she's obviously very marketable and draws more men to watch Indy which equals more money from sponsors, etc. So, with that in mind, the media (who also gets paid by sponsors) and Indy will continue to push her to the top of the list.

Unfair advantage in the marketing department ... obviously ... just look at the pictures above. Sex sells, her and her sponsors know it.

Fortunately, she actually has sone driving skills to back it up and a long career ahead of her. Not unlike many other women athletes who are just poster material and have no real takent or skills ...

^^^^
I would'nt mind taking a shot.

THis issue and topic is very dear to me. Women, and minorities in racing will ALWAYS get alot of press when they do well,....notice that part,.."when they do well"....

Willy T. Ribbs was the first black to qualify and race in the Indy 500 and he BARELY made the field, but had a very long standing novation from the whole place for his efforts. For me that was the biggest moment in my life as since I was a child I only saw white race car drivers at Indy and to see Willy do it, was amazing. Mind you he had a very good record ( multiple trans am championships and IMSA wins) in the eighties, so he was no rookie to the sport.

So for Danica to lead at one point and come in 4th is a big deal, and yes she weighs 100 lbs wet ...( oops that sounded weird).. ;)

On the other hand Bill Lester ( African American) put his Nascar Truck on Pole last year once and no-one talked about it.........AT ALL !!! Here was a 2 year rookie to the series with no big sponsors who put a truck on pole.

So I am glad Danica is getting to milk her success. Its a tough sport and the rules were made for others to find loopholes.

Whats gonna happen when Louis Hamilton ( black kid from the UK ) who is managed by Ron Dennis ( McLaren ) who is driving in F3000 right now and kicking ass, gets to F1 very soon. As in he already tested an F1 car and was close to the pace,.very close.

The face of the sport will change and it will be have reps from all races and walks of life in it and winning...............

The world is changing , and hopefully for the better.

Myles WIlliams

She is worth all the fuss because you people keep talking about her. She is worth all the fuss because the media is paying attention to her. she is worth all the fuss because all this attention she gets, brings more attention to her sponsors, so she has more marketing value for a race team

She may have had some doors opened because she is an attractive woman but don't think for a second that she did not have to bust her ass and prove herself to get to those doors in the first place

Most drivers who made it to the top had doors opened for them for one reason or another. Rich/famous daddy for example

You're kidding yourself if you don't think part of her success is based on her looks. Racing is as much about the marketing and sponsorships as it is about the actual racing.

Who would you want driving your car, another twenty something dude or a cute chick who's going to get the publicity no matter what she does in the race?

I'm not saying she doesn't have skills, but it's obvious more attention is being focused on her because she is an attractive female, than for her talent.

In short, sex sells. Sarah Fisher got much less attention, likely because she wasn't nearly as attractive as Danica is. It's not as if Danica was the first women to run Indy.

Fox (yeah, I know) has a small article on this whole weight thing:

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/3643722

Dang, those NASCAR drivers can be... large. Who's to say the male drivers don't have an advantange if that some of them may be less prone to fatigue?

THis issue and topic is very dear to me. Women, and minorities in racing will ALWAYS get alot of press when they do well,....notice that part,.."when they do well"....

Willy T. Ribbs was the first black to qualify and race in the Indy 500 and he BARELY made the field, but had a very long standing novation from the whole place for his efforts. For me that was the biggest moment in my life as since I was a child I only saw white race car drivers at Indy and to see Willy do it, was amazing. Mind you he had a very good record ( multiple trans am championships and IMSA wins) in the eighties, so he was no rookie to the sport.

So for Danica to lead at one point and come in 4th is a big deal, and yes she weighs 100 lbs wet ...( oops that sounded weird)..

On the other hand Bill Lester ( African American) put his Nascar Truck on Pole last year once and no-one talked about it.........AT ALL !!! Here was a 2 year rookie to the series with no big sponsors who put a truck on pole.

So I am glad Danica is getting to milk her success. Its a tough sport and the rules were made for others to find loopholes.

Whats gonna happen when Louis Hamilton ( black kid from the UK ) who is managed by Ron Dennis ( McLaren ) who is driving in F3000 right now and kicking ass, gets to F1 very soon. As in he already tested an F1 car and was close to the pace,.very close.

The face of the sport will change and it will be have reps from all races and walks of life in it and winning...............

The world is changing , and hopefully for the better.

Myles WIlliams

Great comment! The world is changing and it will be for the better as long as we keep pushing the ignorance out. The more success stories of minorities in the media the more white people (being general here) will notice the lack of their color — and hopefully we'll all be part of the privileged race and gender. Danica is not only a good driver but making headway into a long battle of equality.

You're kidding yourself if you don't think part of her success is based on her looks. Racing is as much about the marketing and sponsorships as it is about the actual racing.

Who would you want driving your car, another twenty something dude or a cute chick who's going to get the publicity no matter what she does in the race?

I'm not saying she doesn't have skills, but it's obvious more attention is being focused on her because she is an attractive female, than for her talent.

In short, sex sells. Sarah Fisher got much less attention, likely because she wasn't nearly as attractive as Danica is. It's not as if Danica was the first women to run Indy.

Your kidding yourself if you don't think that being good looking gets you more opportunities for anything in this world (especially for stuff in the public eye), so why should racing be any different. A good looking man would get more opportunities in racing (or any career) than an unattractive guy

But you missed my point-she had to be good enough to get to the level of getting these opportunities, it is not like they took some sexy woman off the street with no talent, put her in a car and told everyone she could drive well.

If she can use her sex appeal to get funding for her passion for racing cars all the power to her. It's working too, this is the what, the seventy billionth thread about her, us guys fell for it hook, line and sinker. :rolleyes:

You're kidding yourself if you don't think part of her success is based on her looks. Racing is as much about the marketing and sponsorships as it is about the actual racing.

Who would you want driving your car, another twenty something dude or a cute chick who's going to get the publicity no matter what she does in the race?I think that was exactly Mopho's point - the thread title asked if Danica was "worth all the fuss". Which begs the question - worth it to whom? The only answer can be the ones who are paying for her to be there, her sponsors. And Mopho was saying that of COURSE she's worth it, because she gets so much more publicity than a male racer at the same talent level because of her gender and looks. Thus, more bang for their buck.

It's not as if Danica was the first women to run Indy.She is the first woman to do this well at Indy. Highest finishing place for a woman at Indy. First woman to ever lead the field at Indy. Etc.

I will never understand why some guys seem to look down at a girl for using whatever assets she has to get what she wants. It's not like the Pretty-Boy male racers put paper bags on their heads once their helmets come off, so that only their racing talents are evaluated. You're deluding yourself if you think that looks don't play into it for both genders...

You're kidding yourself if you don't think part of her success is based on her looks. Racing is as much about the marketing and sponsorships as it is about the actual racing.


Uh, might wanna re-read what Mopho said ;)

She may have had some doors opened because she is an attractive woman but don't think for a second that she did not have to bust her ass and prove herself to get to those doors in the first place

Auto racing is just as much about marketability as it is about winning. Manufacturers get into racing to SELL CARS, no matter what it takes. Why do you think Petter Solberg is so popular? yes, he wins races, but he's also a good looking guy with a magnetic personality. Yet no-one bitches about how he gets by on his looks.

Remember, Danica, as a rookie at Indy, LED the race for a while and took 4th. That's an accomplisment in itself. regardless of gender.

Thank you ;)

I'm not saying she doesn't have skills, but it's obvious more attention is being focused on her because she is an attractive female, than for her talent.


Yes, there was a lot of attention on her and her looks, but every thing I saw about her was more then just "Some hot chick is running in the Indy 500!"

It was more like "Some hot chick is running in the Indy 500 and she is pretty damn good and has a chance to win it!"

Remember she qualified 2nd or 3rd row. Had she qualified at the back of the pack there wouldn't have been much coverage of her. Sarah Fisher never got as high up as Danica, it would be interesting if they placed similarly.

Good luck to her and anyone else trying to break the mold, even if she is milking her image a bit.



AND to TimStevens...you know you would pose in FHM if it gave you a huge boost in your racing career! I know I would...I dont know what FHM would think though :lol:


- andrew

AND to TimStevens...you know you would pose in FHM if it gave you a huge boost in your racing career! I know I would...I dont know what FHM would think though :lol:

Oh I absolutely would! And I can't say I disrespect Danica for doing it. But, I just wanted to show that Danica indeed has played a large part in shaping the way that she is percieved by the media/fans.

Oh I absolutely would! And I can't say I disrespect Danica for doing it. But, I just wanted to show that Danica indeed has played a large part in shaping the way that she is percieved by the media/fans.

understood :)

i read in an interview (either TIME or newsweek) where she said she would never do playboy. good for her.

As I understand it her wieght is not as much of an advantage on an oval as it would be on a road course. Of course road courses demand more driver skill so lets see how she does when she races one of those. Its not like it wasn't an issue before I think everyone was just rattled she did so well in qualifiying. Its funny they've been racing under the same rules with regard to wieght for how long but all of a sudden its an issue. I read a quote somewhere about John Force I think it was his crew chief something like " We spend thousends to save a few pound when John could just eat a few less hambergers". I mean she screwed up twice stalling and spinning under caution but she had some moments where she was beyond the edge and came back. If it was as easy as being light... it would have been done. As far as sponsership goes she has an advantage as a hot female driver but once she gets on the track it all about skill ot looks.

I think that was exactly Mopho's point - the thread title asked if Danica was "worth all the fuss". Which begs the question - worth it to whom? The only answer can be the ones who are paying for her to be there, her sponsors. And Mopho was saying that of COURSE she's worth it, because she gets so much more publicity than a male racer at the same talent level because of her gender and looks. Thus, more bang for their buck.

She is the first woman to do this well at Indy. Highest finishing place for a woman at Indy. First woman to ever lead the field at Indy. Etc.

I will never understand why some guys seem to look down at a girl for using whatever assets she has to get what she wants. It's not like the Pretty-Boy male racers put paper bags on their heads once their helmets come off, so that only their racing talents are evaluated. You're deluding yourself if you think that looks don't play into it for both genders...

I don't look down on her, but I also don't think she deserves all the attention she's getting. In short, to answer Mopho's original question, no she doesn't deserve all the attention. IMO Danica's publicity verged on being a side show, it was ridiculous.

Who got the entire cover of SI the week after the race? It wasn't the winner, Buddy Rice. It was Danica Patrick. Did 4th place Danica Patrick deserve the cover over the winner?

NO. That was wrong.

Being a pretty female over a pretty male has its advantages. What percentage of auto racing's audience is male vs. female? For argument's sake let's just say males are in the majority. Now if you're a sponsor, who's going to get you the most air time, the pretty male or the pretty female? The marketing opportunities alone are worth any differential there may between skill levels.

Again, I'm not saying Danica doesn't deserve to be where she is, I just don't think she deserves all the publicity for where she is. She is doing great things for the sport, I just hope there's a dozen girls in the next Indy 500 so I don't have to listen to Danica Patrick's media machine ad nauseum.

Holy crap, those pics make this thread NWS :eek:

Uhh if Buddy Rice was on the cover it wouldn't have been the winner either. Dan Wheldon was the winner. I think I see the problem now....

Myles,

You make a very valid point. It's sad that we still live in a society where there are barriers that yave yet to be breeched by minorities. But, is the real problem that there is a lack of talent or there is still the "boys club" mentality in some sports? Who knows. Fortunately, most of us can look beyond race and gender to appreciate talent and good entertainment. It's unfortunate that others cannot.

As long as motor sports continue to be exciting and contain the best talent possible, I don't care what race or gender the drivers and crews are. I would hope that a true entusiast woudl feel the same way.

I just think this is a prime example of that break through happening, but in an era and sport where it can be extremely well marketed. It's definately a boost for any woman who wants to be a professional driver.

As far as NASCAR Truck goes ... well, look at the marketing demographic. I think Hamilton has a much better chance in F1. It's sad, but we all know the truth and I personally hate to point it out.

I hope the face of motor sports as a whole changes, and for the better. IMHO NASCAR will be on the trailing edge of that change.

Who got the entire cover of SI the week after the race? It wasn't the winner, Buddy Rice.

Dan Wheldon gets no respect... ;)

never realised she is only 23...

Dan Wheldon gets no respect... ;)

Yeah I guess I just proved my own point, even I don't know who won the Indy 500! :D

I got some free tickets and pit passes to the Bombardier 500 in Texas, the first event after Indy. The only thing that bugged me was the crowd. They announced all the drivers, and even the "hometown" guys from Texas barely recieved any applause, but Danica gets a roaring standing ovation any time her name was mentioned. It bothered me that a lot of these guys have been working so much longer, and have actual results to cheer about. ...but nobody cares.

It bothered me almost as much as the fact that most of the people there just wanted to see a good crash. :rolleyes:

I understand what's going on, and it's probably the best thing to happen to IRL since the split with CART. It may even keep them afloat for a little while.

You can say she made a rookie mistake with the spin during yellow at Indy, but SHE'S A ROOKIE! I thought it was a pretty slick bit of driving to keep it out of the wall, and make it back for a 4th place finish. I can respect that she does have some natural talent.

As far as the Texas race, her car was obviously off the pace for the entire night. That track almost belongs to Sheckter, Hornish, and Castroneves anyways.... The hype almost seemed to backfire on them. ...but the post race interview, she seemed to have a very real sense of who she was, and I didn't see anything to lead me to believe she's just a "gimmick driver" like some we've seen before.

You're kidding yourself if you don't think part of her success is based on her looks. Racing is as much about the marketing and sponsorships as it is about the actual racing. :lol:

OK, ask yourself this: if you were attractive, female, and you knew you could leverage those things to GET PAID TO RACE CARS, would you do it?

Her looks may have gotten her sponsored, but they didn't get her to 4th. And she's TWENTY THREE for crying out loud.


I got some free tickets and pit passes to the Bombardier 500 in Texas, the first event after Indy. The only thing that bugged me was the crowd. They announced all the drivers, and even the "hometown" guys from Texas barely recieved any applause, but Danica gets a roaring standing ovation any time her name was mentioned. It bothered me that a lot of these guys have been working so much longer, and have actual results to cheer about. ...but nobody cares.
"I went to a Phillies game and the only thing that bugged me was that the utility infielders who have worked their ass off for 10 years barely get a cheer and Jim Thome gets a roaring standing ovation any time his name is mentioned"

Anything that is more inclusive, that might help IRL/CART, that might get more women interested in racing.. is AOK with me.

It should be noted that our own Subie Gal is a very, very vocal critic of Ms. Patrick.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3643413&postcount=30
not fisher.
fisher has more respect for herself.

that was danica patrick. aka "the sell out."

i'm on 2 different womens racer discussion boards and email groups.... basically the consensus is we're disgusted by her actions within the female racing community... this type of portrayal of women trying to make it in a "male dominated sport "is not taken lightly.

and personally?
i think she's a sell out. loser. idiot.
and i'd love a chance to tell her how i feel

.....

"I went to a Phillies game and the only thing that bugged me was that the utility infielders who have worked their ass off for 10 years barely get a cheer and Jim Thome gets a roaring standing ovation any time his name is mentioned"

That's a little out of perspective... I'm talking about when they mention the guy who's WON 3 of the last 6 races in Texas (..and no.. I'm not an IRL fan, and don't remember who it was..), but the crowd is almost silent...

Still, What did Al Unser IV do to get his ride? What results has he posted?

Oh I absolutely would! And I can't say I disrespect Danica for doing it. But, I just wanted to show that Danica indeed has played a large part in shaping the way that she is percieved by the media/fans.


I wouldn't....
but... dont get me wrong.

Props to Danica for being an excellent driver
For doing us gals proud as a rookie @ Indy
For breaking a some of molds...

but the thing that gets me the most
is the sex sex sex slut sex slut

what do you think of when you see her in FHM?
T&A

not a race car driver
Just good ole' T&A

It's hard enough as a female out there competing to be taken seriously.

When other female drivers continue to portray the sleazy stereotype
Sorry but it makes it harder and harder to earn respect

I can honestly say I will never succumb to sluttiness such as the FHM layout she did. That's just gawdy. tacky.

I will do photo shoots (see me in an issue of SI near you very soon!)

But i will not do sleazy shots -
mainly because it portrays exactly what i am NOT trying to be taken as.

I drive a race car and want to be respected for skills and competition
Not disrespected and looked at as a piece of meat

Sorry Danica... you may be able to drive
but you're no role model.


All in all tho she is worth the hype.
She can drive. She can hold her own. She does garner attention.
She's just not the example I want my little girl following...

Jamie
www.subiegal.com
www.jamie-thomas.com

I just wanted to say what I have been saying since memorial day:

Danica deserves the cover of SI, and she deserves it more than Wheldon, more than Rice. And I say that even though I know Wheldon is a better driver. The reason is simply because what Danica did that day was important, and what Wheldon did simply was not.

This is not the era when Indy racing was alive, mainstrean and healthy. Most people today couldn't tell you who won last year, or the year before. When it takes effort to fill the grid of the supposed most "famos race in the world", then it obviously not that big a deal to win it. Winning it does not deserve any special attention.

But when you do something like Danica, which is to challenge people's narrow viewpoints, that is commendable and important. What she did that day was show that she was competitive. She showed people that women can also be successful in this man's arena, and not just "also rans". When athletes do this, they become more than athletes, they become ambassadors. For this, and not her racing skills, she deserves the cover of SI.

And we really should see this as positive. Just like Mia Hamm and Landon Donovan single handedly revived soccer in this country, Danica will inject new youth and enthusiam into our sport. (And for those of us looking for sponsors, $$$).

And yes, I agree cars should be weighed with drivers. But we all know that is not why she got 4th. Anyone complaining about that just knows that if they were given a 100lb weight advantage, they probably still couldn't beat her. Let's not forget her accomplishments to this point, especially those in europe. She can drive, so stop complaining.

Chris Lock

Ultimatly guys are guys and think one thing when they see her. Every single guy who saw those pics on the last page thought it, and it was not I bet she has great driving instincts....... I don't now if she is good or bad. I do know she will stay and more will watch.


There will be more women drivers and they will be pretty. Just how the world works. +1 for men -1 for civilized society. :(

racing is 90% luck......

in her case, there are lots of sponsors out there that would love to attach their name to a woman race driver, especially one that is attractive like Danica.... anyway... like i said, bobby R. deserves credit for working with danica for the last few years....

Rahal racing will have a sportscar program next year im sure...and the driver's...Danica and his son Graham Rahal....

it's all about who you know... and timing..... ive taken on building CBRD, and have put racing on the back burner (until the end of the season, but by next year ill be back on track....meanwhile i get regular phone calls from my racing buddies who say "you wont believe this guy i just met that is going to pay for my next 4 races" or something like that....its a lot of luck, and so forth...

Danica, although she is quick also, has a lot of marketing positioning behind her...... more power to her...

chad b
chadblock.com
CBRD

You are so wrong its not even funny.

Racing is 90% bloody hard work, the other 10% is also work, just not so bloody hard. If you want to succeed in racing you have to work at it with a passion, if you think it's luck you will never suceed, ever, never ever.

It's good to see a woman doing well in a high profile sport, but her FHM type stunts are crap, i am with Jamie on this one, she doesnt have to do that and every time she does it lowers her credibility. Now if she were a glamour model then fine. Do that kind of shot and make some money, but she isnt trying to be that, so cut it out young lady, it makes you look cheap.

You are so wrong its not even funny.

Racing is 90% bloody hard work, the other 10% is also work, just not so bloody hard. If you want to succeed in racing you have to work at it with a passion, if you think it's luck you will never suceed, ever, never ever.

It's good to see a woman doing well in a high profile sport, but her FHM type stunts are crap, i am with Jamie on this one, she doesnt have to do that and every time she does it lowers her credibility. Now if she were a glamour model then fine. Do that kind of shot and make some money, but she isnt trying to be that, so cut it out young lady, it makes you look cheap.
Uh, I could be wrong but CBRD was not speaking of physical "on the track wheel to wheel racing" - he was using the general term "racing." As in "he works in the racing industry" and he says that "in the racing industry" it's 90% luck, and he's right.

It's a like the music biz- you may well be the most talented person out there, but unless you can grab somebody's attention, you're not gonna make it.

You got connections, you're golden. You got something unique? You're golden. You got a last name like Unser or Andretti? You're set. Your only other option is to be independently wealthy. After that, it's LUCK.

it's totally a gimick. She's not worth the fuss. Like mentioned before, it's all marketing. If she did not look as attractive do you think she would get a chance to drive? In about 6 months (unless she wins a lot, does playboy or dies) she will be a distant memory. I think it is kind of selling out when she poses in next to nothing. I for one, cannot take anyone who does that seriously. She is a race car driver, so drive. It's just as lame as the NASCAR drivers playing poker. :rolleyes:

but the thing that gets me the most
is the sex sex sex slut sex slut

what do you think of when you see her in FHM?
T&A

not a race car driver
Just good ole' T&A

Great, now what am I gonna do with all those slutty pictures I have of Subie Gal? :mad:

All the attention annoys the p*ss out of me but, I just change the channel when I see her on. That said, anything that brings more people to open wheel racing in the US is a great thing. Without her hype they woulld have had half the TV audience they did.

I totally agree with Gordon though. They have to start weighing the driver. Even Danica would probably agree. Their outright refusal to consider it makes it sound like they are actually trying to help her gain an advantage for ratings.

Uh, I could be wrong but CBRD was not speaking of physical "on the track wheel to wheel racing" - he was using the general term "racing." As in "he works in the racing industry" and he says that "in the racing industry" it's 90% luck, and he's right.

Nope, your wrong. To be sucessful and achieve something in motor racing you have to work damn hard, the guys who luck into something dont acheive anything worth talking about and dont last long. The ones that work their asses off might apear to be lucky, but they are working damn hard to make happen what you think is luck. Getting connections to front the funds is hard work and a skill, it has nothing to do with being lucky.

You talk to any profesional racer and team and you will be shocked at the dedication it requires to be a success, people who rely on luck or think it's luck that gets their friends/rivals results will never be "lucky".

^ OK fine, we'll agree to disagree ;)

I'll tell you about a lot of people I know who work damned hard who are never going to get anywhere whether it be racing, music, or their friggin day jobs. Just like the music industry, I can name more people than I have fingers on my hands who will NEVER make it no matter how hard they try because they won't get that "lucky break" or they don't have that connection and probably never will. They have nothing going for them other than raw talent and a drive to succeed- that doesn't gaurantee squat you're gonna make it.

You think Ashely Simpson worked hard to get where she is? You think she's more talented than 75% of the performers you'll see in a decent club in NYC? You think she works hard?

You think Unser Jr. Jr. Jr. is going to have to work hard to get a ride? How about Mike Schumacer's kid Mick (born in 99 I think?)- betcha he'll have to work REAL hard for anybody to consider him regardless of his talent...

Think Subiegal works hard? Think she has "made it" yet? Think Gary Sheehan work(ed)s hard? He's talented - where's his multimillion $ /yr contract? What about Irish Mike and GOTO? How come Subaru isn't giving any of these people cars? None of them are working hard enough? If it was all about working hard and having talent, I think there would be a lot more people with different job descriptions. I'll agree with you that you don't stand a chance if you're a "nobody" if you don't work hard, but if you don't get a lucky break every now and then, you're not gonna make it. What about the chicks in the ESX contest? All of them probably worked real hard to get where they got, but there was only 1 winner- what happened to the other dozen finalists? They didn't get lucky and they went back to their normal lives while one of them went on the circuit for a year with a 30k+ salary.

Sorry Danica... you may be able to drive
but you're no role model.

I think this is a bit harsh.

Is Jeff Gordon what you want you're little boy to grow up to be?
http://www.exleyphoto.com/JEFF_GORDON_small.jpg

What's the difference? Women drool over this guy all the time... He plays into it. It doesn't make him a better or worse driver. It doesn't put him on pole, or in the winner's circle. I hear he does pretty well for himself. I don't see the other drivers saying how he makes it tougher on the rest of them to get any respect.


You'll never earn respect through any kind of photo shoot. Anyone can stand in front of a camera. I fail to see how it detracts from on-track performance.

All that stuff about degrading women, and being treated like a piece of meat should be left to the likes of Ariana Huffington. The US is far too sexually repressed, and that's the only reason this is an issue. How does it make it harder for everyone else? If she earns respect with good performances, a photoshoot doesn't take that away. It's like you're saying a woman doesn't have the right to express her sexuality while maintaining any type of proffession. You're promoting a double standard.

Are you saying the firemen on calendars aren't national heroes worthy of being a role model?

I would be proud to have a daughter do as well as Danica has, photoshoots and all. If Danica inspires 1000 little girls to think they can go racing, I'm all for it. If 1 of those 1000 turns out to be any good, she's done a great service for the sport.

Is there even a good famous role model like what you expect left in this country? male or female? Heck, the last 20 years, I wouldn't even use the president as a role model for my children!

Come to think of it, did Danica ask to be a role model? ..or was she just trying to go racing? hmmmm....

I dont think Subiegal works hard, i know she does, and i hope she gets the backing she deserves. Jamie is a major success story, if she gets her "lucky" break it will be down to shear determination and hard work putting her in a position to get "lucky".

90% isnt down to luck Cirrus. If you dont do the work in the first place you will never get that "lucky" break. That work may be at a marketing level for the likes of Unser Jr Jr, for most people it will be hard work at the more fundemental level. Most people will never get that "lucky" break, but dont be fooled, when they do get that "lucky" break it will be bacause of the hard work done in the past, most of which you will never see or even know about. Once they get that "lucky" break, if they dont do the hard work, they will soon be a thing of the past.

Anyway, sorry to go a bit OT on the main topic of the thread, i'll leave it at that. :)

This thread seems to have shifted onto whether being hot makes a difference, and thats my fault. My only query was if you think she's as good as the media makes her out to be. I think it was a mechanical advantage that won her fourth, not skill. That she took out two drivers on a caution lap is evidence of that. I want to post videos of her technique. She's choppy, and the way she handles traffic shows her inexperience. All things being equal, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTION FOR WEIGHT. Take 50 lbs. off of the car of the guy who won fifth and I bet the results would be much different.

Nope, your wrong. To be sucessful and achieve something in motor racing you have to work damn hard, the guys who luck into something dont acheive anything worth talking about and dont last long. The ones that work their asses off might apear to be lucky, but they are working damn hard to make happen what you think is luck. Getting connections to front the funds is hard work and a skill, it has nothing to do with being lucky.

You talk to any profesional racer and team and you will be shocked at the dedication it requires to be a success, people who rely on luck or think it's luck that gets their friends/rivals results will never be "lucky".

Hey Jon, knowing Chad, I know kinda what he is really saying. No one here dis-agrees with you at all man. I think where Block is coming from is that, we all work hard,..BUT there are ALOT of guys who work harder than you and I and are faster than you and I and they do EVERYTHING to make it in racing and they never get that "BREAK"..or they are in the right place at the right time and still dont get a "deal" or a ride. It pisses me off that I have to watch my buddy miss a LMP ride and instead some pinhead geek gets it, why?....because he knows that person , or because he was LUCKY in the same sense that the fastest guy isnt always the one who gets the opportunity. So in that sense,.............."LUCK" comes in. Owners make decisions for many reasons, and its not always about speed. Anyone in the business will tell you that.

Thsi is more ( 99%) directed to the forum and not you JON, . I respect you and just wanted to maybe shed some light on the way Chad said it.

Myles WIlliams

Sorry John, I ,mispelled your name like 5000 times in that last post.

Mw

Hey Jon, knowing Chad, I know kinda what he is really saying. No one here dis-agrees with you at all man. I think where Block is coming from is that, we all work hard,..BUT there are ALOT of guys who work harder than you and I and are faster than you and I and they do EVERYTHING to make it in racing and they never get that "BREAK"..or they are in the right place at the right time and still dont get a "deal" or a ride. It pisses me off that I have to watch my buddy miss a LMP ride and instead some pinhead geek gets it, why?....because he knows that person , or because he was LUCKY in the same sense that the fastest guy isnt always the one who gets the opportunity. So in that sense,.............."LUCK" comes in. Owners make decisions for many reasons, and its not always about speed. Anyone in the business will tell you that.

Thsi is more ( 99%) directed to the forum and not you JON, . I respect you and just wanted to maybe shed some light on the way Chad said it.

Myles WIlliams

I have to agree with you .... Its all about who you know and how much luck you have.... Or how much $$$ you can bring into a race team

Luck = Skill + Opportunity



She is doing pretty good for a 23 year old rookie. I would have given her another year in the junior ranks but considering she dropped out of High School to go to Europe and race she deserves where she is.

I wish her no ill will and the best of luck. ;)

I just don't get how some people think she's hot. :confused:

She is average looking at best, around a 5 or 6 on a scale of 1-10. And those FHM pics are really bad. She has no ass, no tits whatsoever, no sexy figure, and those funky eyes! I was sorry to see Michelle Spaziano go as the hostess of powerblock on Spike TV, that was a crying shame.

I do respect her as a driver though, she's obviously very talented and skilled.

Here's another young woman with some obvious talent and cojones.

Anyone that has the gumption to mix it up in the winged sprint world gets a pat on the back from me.

She is now working towards that other very popular and successful race series.

Erin Crocker (www.erincrocker.com)
http://www.autoracingdaily.com/images/photodb/pdb200503254579.jpg

Well seeing as how she punted Tomas Scheckter out of the race, she has a very real weight advantage, and from experience in the Atlantic Pits she is not at all what she seems. That being said she does have talent but before everyone annoints here the savior of open wheel racing I would like to see her win a race, period.

Bottom Line folks Michelle Mouton is still the best professional racing driver to have come along and until another woman is fighting for a world championship I think it will remain that way.

The weight advantage is due to the other drivers eating too much. Period. She goes in wearing the same equipment they all do and the other drivers whine about it. They need to do the "myself mod" and drop some pounds.

I wish her the best of luck.

The weight advantage is due to the other drivers eating too much. Period. She goes in wearing the same equipment they all do and the other drivers whine about it. They need to do the "myself mod" and drop some pounds.

I wish her the best of luck.

Men and women don't weigh the same and when they do it isn't good in either case. What are you on about ? Everyone else weighs drivers and cars together. You saying Indy has it right and everyone else has it wrong ?

The weight advantage is due to the other drivers eating too much. Period. She goes in wearing the same equipment they all do and the other drivers whine about it. They need to do the "myself mod" and drop some pounds.
:huh:

She is not hot per say. But she is tiny and girly in a sport with manly men. Men like that. Men will tune in. It is a draw. Sorry were pigs. If she has talent more the better! Makes for good racing and gender banter. All in good fun and the sport benifits if you ask me.

Cheese cake shots make 0 difference to her credibility as a driver. To men at least or to me at least. It is the women that will have the issue. Alll ways do. My wife can't go into a store with out commenting on how she can't believe that girl wore those shoes with that skirt. :lol: Catty. Oh yes, another odd thing we men seem to like.

If she wins and does real well what is the issue. Not being a good role model becasue of pics in short shorts? Male athletes Internationally do beefcake shots all the time. Ahh yes, the puritanical roots show themselves once again here in America. Gees were uptight. C'mon. :rolleyes:

I hope she wins. I bet she is great for the sport. I hope the rumor of fixing does not start though. Some men hate women beating them. Me I get my arse kicked at auto-X by some women. Some pretty some average. I suck. Talent is talent no matter the packaging. They all get the respect from me even if they are in a Bikini. shrug.

Someone who is noticeably lighter should be able to use and exploit that advantage.

When Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost were teammates at Ferrari, it was estimated that Prost's significant weight advantage was worth about .2 seconds a lap.

Danica reminds me of kournikova, hot but hasn't won anything in the big leagues. Then will probably retire before she wins anything and make money off tv shows, endorsements and magazine shoots like FHM.

Danica reminds me of kournikova, hot but hasn't won anything in the big leagues. Then will probably retire before she wins anything and make money off tv shows, endorsements and magazine shoots like FHM.
Except Danica is a rookie, and Anna has been in tennis for a long time..

Criminy..

I just wanted to say what I have been saying since memorial day:

Danica deserves the cover of SI, and she deserves it more than Wheldon, more than Rice. And I say that even though I know Wheldon is a better driver. The reason is simply because what Danica did that day was important, and what Wheldon did simply was not.

This is not the era when Indy racing was alive, mainstrean and healthy. Most people today couldn't tell you who won last year, or the year before. When it takes effort to fill the grid of the supposed most "famos race in the world", then it obviously not that big a deal to win it. Winning it does not deserve any special attention.

But when you do something like Danica, which is to challenge people's narrow viewpoints, that is commendable and important. What she did that day was show that she was competitive. She showed people that women can also be successful in this man's arena, and not just "also rans". When athletes do this, they become more than athletes, they become ambassadors. For this, and not her racing skills, she deserves the cover of SI.

And we really should see this as positive. Just like Mia Hamm and Landon Donovan single handedly revived soccer in this country, Danica will inject new youth and enthusiam into our sport. (And for those of us looking for sponsors, $$$).

And yes, I agree cars should be weighed with drivers. But we all know that is not why she got 4th. Anyone complaining about that just knows that if they were given a 100lb weight advantage, they probably still couldn't beat her. Let's not forget her accomplishments to this point, especially those in europe. She can drive, so stop complaining.

Chris Lock

So basically you're confirming what we've all said, albeit in a round about way. She's one giant media tool, a talented one, but she's still exploiting herself. I don't blame her for that, but it doesn't make the unusually large amount of media coverage that's been focused on her right.

Danica Patrick isn't groundbreaking or a trend setter, people tend to forget there were 3 or 4 women before her that ran Indy too. She just happens to be young and have what some would call a pretty face. Two things that the others didn't have.

I drive the Old Dominion University Formula SAE car and am among the heaviest of our drivers and consistantly the fastest at our Auto-x's...one team racing is 80 lbs lighter than me...we are working witha 500 lb vehicle with 80 whp...

any body who brings in more viewers to motorsports is a good thing . Magazine layout tacky, Would i call her a slut for it, no. Its marketing of a driver and team. She has allready got EVERYONE talking, thats good. If she wins a couple of races great, more attention to motorsports. Is she over hyped yea i think she is.

Indy drivers are alway made a big deal of. Remember Danny Sullivan? He won the indy in the '80's. He was good looking and played on it. If I recall correctly he did a "guest spot" on Miami Vice after winning and many "spreads". Talk about hype and all he did was win the race and not another after. His further career was less than stellar.

http://f1rejects.com/drivers/sullivan/

My point is the winner or "special rookie" of "big" events, ie, indy, daytona, etc., alway get alot of unwarranted hype. snore :o Show me a rookie who can go out and win the championship, that warrants major hype.

But I really wish chicks that race would stop posing for cheesecake T&A shots, as a chick is annoys the p*** out of me. Go out and race, kick some guy a** and do us proud.

kathy

I drive the Old Dominion University Formula SAE car and am among the heaviest of our drivers and consistantly the fastest at our Auto-x's...one team racing is 80 lbs lighter than me...we are working witha 500 lb vehicle with 80 whp...


equal driver talent and lighter weight will win every time. according to the results so far the rest of your team is not as good of a driver as you are.

Except Danica is a rookie, and Anna has been in tennis for a long time..

Criminy..


Ummm.. Danica has been racing for a long time. Longer than most people on this board is my guess. She may be a rookie at the Indy series but that doesn't mean she is a rookie at racing.

Ummm.. Danica has been racing for a long time. Longer than most people on this board is my guess. She may be a rookie at the Indy series but that doesn't mean she is a rookie at racing.
Right, and AnnaK played tennis before she turned pro. I was just disputing the analogy.

edit: And Danica did the FHM shoot over two years ago, before landing an Indy ride. Has she done anything offensive since?

Right, and AnnaK played tennis before she turned pro. I was just disputing the analogy.




works for me


Also I don't care what she does off the track to be honest. She can do whatever she wants to get sponsor money extra money or whatever. I think everyone here will still judge her by her merits on the track as to what kind of driver she is. To be in the hunt at the Indy level you have to be a GREAT driver, which she apparently is. There are a lot of drivers out there that have not won at the pinnacle levels of motorsports that are still considered unbelievable drivers. Hans Stuck is one that comes to mind, I don't think he won an F1 race but I would be hard pressed to find a better driver out there. She's a great driver, is she the best female driver ever, jury is out because she is only 23, but she does have the opportunity to be considered the best ever. Let's see what she does with it.

I don't think she's worth all the fuss. It's not like there's never been a woman at Indy before, and frankly she made a fool out of herself there. Sure, she finished well, but she spun on a yellow flag and took out two competitors. Reeeal nice job.


If you do some homework you'll find that a very large percentage of rookies in Indy racing have had "incidents" the first few years they run. People that are big name race drivers included.

"2005 ...helped by a crash by fellow rookie Sebastien Bourdais one lap from the end. Wheldon ran out of fuel on his cooldown lap."



"2003
Rookie Dan Wheldon brought out the last of eight caution flags in the race when he slammed into the fourth turn wall, flew into the air and landed upside down. Wheldon, who had been running in the top six most of the day, was not injured.

Another rookie, Scott Dixon, held up the restart when he scraped the wall and spun on the main straightaway"


As far as the promotions are concerned, a lot of rookie drivers have little control over the promotion spots they have to do. The boss says go here do that and if you want to keep your ride you do as your told. Shirley Muldowny is a good example. She was promoted as Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowny thanks to her boss. She absolutely detested that, but didn't have sufficient control over things to stop it until she became a world champion.

There is in my mind little difference between Danika being promoted as an attractive girl and big name drivers like Dale Earnhardt being promoted as "the intimidator". They find a promo angle that works with the fans and they use it.

At this level of racing, the sponsor is buying a complete package both a talented driver and a good promotional asset to get exposure for his advertising dollar. Not much difference between that and a big name celebrity actor that can stand on the quality of their acting skill doing publicity stunts to hype a new movie.

I wish Danika well, I think she has the talent to be competitive, and I hope her press coverage revives interest in open wheel racing here in the U.S.. Most of you are too young to remember the hype that surrounded the likes of Jimmy Clark, or Graham Hill showing up at Indy, or the press coverage that Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James , and Sara fisher got in their turns as the only "lady" in the field.

When Janet Guthrie qualified to run the first time at Indy, there was a huge pre-race debate on how they would handle the traditional "gentlemen start your engines" call.
That first year it was changed to "Lady and Gentlemen start your engines" and that has been the traditional starting call ever since when the grid is a mixed gender field.


There are lots of men that everyone thought were talented race drivers that could never even qualify for the race, let alone finish it in the top 2/3'ds of the field.

I say give her her due. I understand where Jamie is coming from, but in a sponsor driven big money environment like Indy, Nascar,NHRA drag racing, FIA WRC, or F1, many drivers are on a very short leash until they have a fan base of their own to give them clout when it comes to decisions about what they can and cannot do, or will or will not do.

I would love to see more women in the upper levels of racing, there are certainly many that have the talent. Only time will tell I guess.

Larry

She's hot
I like looking at her

She is a really good rookie driver. She is doing alot better than most rookies plus it takes alot of skill to drive those cars. Yes there is a little more hype on her because she is a woman but there is more pressure on her to. She is handling it well to still hang in the pack with the rest of the vets.

Sorry John, I ,mispelled your name like 5000 times in that last post.

Mw

No probs Myles, i am used to it. :D (i do hate it though :D)

I know what he is getting at, but to say 90% of racing sucess is luck is not a fair statement, it's especially misleading for people who might think they just have to get a lucky break and they will be set, life doesnt work that way for 99.99% of people.

Luck and exploiting that luck can be factors, but small in comparison to the other requirements to suceed, especially so for the vast majority of racers and the readers of this forum who choose to compete. (we all need our heads testing for taking on this rediculous sport in the first place. ;) )

Danica reminds me of kournikova, hot but hasn't won anything in the big leagues. Then will probably retire before she wins anything and make money off tv shows, endorsements and magazine shoots like FHM.

Kournikova is really hot, Patrick is not, but I see what you're getting at.

FWIW the FHM spots appear to have been in the #31 issue in 2003, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Does that change anybody's opinion if she did the spread 2 years ago?

Does anyone know who Danica's parents are and how they got her to where she is at today? Someone of her age must have had some significant financial support to get where she is at. Sure, Bill Gates has done well with microsoft, but he also started off with piles of daddy's money.

Opal

what do you think of when you see her in FHM?
T&A

not a race car driver
Just good ole' T&A


I don't know about that. From what I saw in those pics, she doesn't have any T or A. :lol: What I saw was a very skinny girl who needs to eat a little more.

But I agree that what she's doing to promote herself isn't helping other women atheletes be taken seriously as real competitors and not just as eye candy.

Kournikova is really hot, Patrick is not, but I see what you're getting at.


Yea kournikova is definitley a TON hotter, but Danica is as hot as they come in her sport. And they did the same thing about Kournikova when she was a hot female rookie too, hoping she would "save" women's tennis. Until Danica actually wins something she is still just another "kournikova"

And indy racing gets some of the worst ratings (in the U.S.) of any televised sport, down on the NHL level, which is why they are pimping her out there on every other commercial to try to boost their ratings, you can't really blame them.

I don't know about that. From what I saw in those pics, she doesn't have any T or A. :lol: What I saw was a very skinny girl who needs to eat a little more.

But I agree that what she's **doing** to promote herself isn't helping other women atheletes be taken seriously as real competitors and not just as eye candy.
She isn't DOING FHM shots. She DID one two years ago :)

Danica has already proven to be better as a driver than Kournikova ever was as a tennis player.

not really, Anna was in many grand slam Quarter, Semis and Finals at the major events like Wimbledon early in her carreer as a tennis player, she was better than some people remember but was injured which screwed her tennis playing ability. She then chose to milk the model side of her potential instead.