Danica Patrick freely enjoys restrictor-plate tracks like Daytona and Talladega. The fourth and final restrictor-plate race of the season is on Sunday, the Camping World RV Sales 500 at Talladega.
Danica Patrick is hoping to replicate her success from the season-opening Daytona 500. It’s been a miserable season for her. It started well at Daytona, and it’s been way downhill since.
Now it’s on to Talladega, time to “piss excellence” like Ricky Bobby; and remember that “second is the first place loser.”
Q: A lot of drivers don’t look forward to Talladega. Are you looking forward to racing there?
A: Danica Patrick: “The reason they don’t look forward to it is exactly why I do, because someone like me has more of a shot there, just like everybody else. So, they’re in the Chase and have run really well and been fast all year. So, when we get on more traditional tracks, that’s where they’re going to fall into place more often than not. But with superspeedways, it’s a toss-up what’s going to happen. So, that’s why it’s fun for me because somebody like me has a chance.”
Q: You’ve always liked going to Talladega. Why is that?
A: Danica Patrick: “The fans really make that place. The campgrounds – all that stuff makes it one big party. You see how much fun the fans are having and that makes it fun for us as drivers. It’s just a unique place. The sheer size of the facility is amazing. I liked it from the first time I first went there and, hopefully, we can have a good run and a good finish.”
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also an analyst for multiple news talk radio stations across the world; with regular weekly segments on NBC, CBS and Fox Sports Radio. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks) , Facebook and RSS feed