Danica Patrick discusses love life and dating on the most recent episode of Haley Dillon’s Believe in the Good podcast, revealing her relationship status and shedding light on the obstacles women face when navigating romance and companionship. The conversation took place during a candid recording hosted by Dillon, who is also the wife of NASCAR competitor Ty Dillon, reflecting on the lives of “racing wives and racing women.”
Patrick, known for breaking barriers in NASCAR as the first female to win a Cup Series pole at the Daytona 500 in 2013 and surpassing Janet Guthrie for most top-ten finishes by a woman in the Cup Series in 2015, discussed her journey since stepping out of the driver’s seat. She raced in NASCAR’s premier series from 2012 to 2017, also making her mark in both the IndyCar and Xfinity Series. Beyond racing, Patrick has become an outspoken figure on social issues, supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 election campaign and frequently expressing her views through social media.
Insight Into Patrick’s Current Relationship Status
During her sit-down with Dillon, Patrick opened up about her current dating life, confirming she is single when asked directly. The former driver expressed enthusiasm about relationships and the experiences that come with them. “Oh yeah,” Patrick replied. I love relationships. I love travelling with someone, I love adventuring. I love doing the monotony of life. I love grocery shopping, I love cooking, I like doing all that, cuddling. There’s some important elements, some of it ends up being a matching lifestyle. I’m at the point in my life where I can go a lot of places and do a lot of things, and so having someone that’s able to do that is important. To be able to go somewhere for a week or two, or travel and go places. Also, if you don’t live in the same place, how does that look? How can you bridge that gap?” These reflections highlighted not only the joys Patrick finds in partnerships but also the challenges posed by busy lifestyles and the nature of the racing world’s travel demands.
The conversation turned towards the practicalities of dating while maintaining a certain standard of living. Patrick noted,
“Then what happens with that is the way that I like to do all of those things tends to be pretty nice. You travel and you do it well, so if they aren’t financially…”
—Danica Patrick, former NASCAR driver
At this point, host Dillon interjected humorously,
“You don’t want to fly last class next to the bathroom,”
—Haley Dillon, Podcaster and wife of Ty Dillon, with Patrick agreeing with the sentiment, indicating the importance of comfort and compatibility in relationships.
Perspectives on Security and Traditional Roles in Dating
The discussion shifted toward the subtle, sometimes unspoken, dynamics involved in dating, particularly around notions of security and traditional gender roles. Patrick, who accumulated seven top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Cup Series and celebrated a victory and podiums in IndyCar, candidly reflected on modern dating’s realities.
“It’s not that I mind paying because there’s been so many times that I have,”
—Danica Patrick, former NASCAR driver. She elaborated on the potential challenges this dynamic can create, suggesting that when women assume a leading or providing role financially, it may affect how both partners feel about themselves and each other, despite mutual agreement or understanding.
Patrick noted her desire for a sense of safety—not physical, but emotional and logistical stability in relationships. She asked whether she could “just show up” for a date without planning every detail or handling logistics, expressing a wish to relax into a relationship without always needing to take control. The pressure to plan, organize, and manage dates places her in what she described as a “masculine state.”
She continued,
“You’re organizing, planning, checking, you’re making sure you’re like doing all the things, so that’s kind of the safety element.”
—Danica Patrick, former NASCAR driver. This reflection emphasized the complexity of seeking partnership as a public figure who is used to independence and control but still desires a traditional balance in relationships.
What Danica Patrick’s Experience Reveals About High-Profile Dating
Patrick’s candid comments spotlight the difficulties experienced by successful women in the public eye—especially those with demanding travel schedules and high expectations for shared experiences, as seen throughout the world of NASCAR and beyond. Her emphasis on matching lifestyles, comfort, and safety sheds light on the added hurdles public figures must navigate in their personal relationships, particularly regarding finances, mobility, and traditional roles within partnerships.
The discussion between Patrick and Dillon, both closely linked to NASCAR through careers and family, demonstrates the intersection of fame and personal fulfilment, revealing that even high-achievers grapple with the universal complexities of dating and intimacy. As the racing community continues to progress, Patrick’s perspective offers insight into how women balance professional ambition with a search for meaningful connection—a conversation that resonates far beyond the racetrack.
Looking forward, Patrick’s story encourages open discussions around the evolving nature of relationships for women in competitive fields, as well as the importance of compatibility and shared values. With other prominent figures like Ross Chastain, Team Penske drivers, and Denny Hamlin making headlines for both racing and personal stories, the world of NASCAR remains one where personal and professional journeys are often deeply intertwined.
