Racing icon Mario Andretti offered candid commentary on the Danica Patrick NASCAR future challenges following her groundbreaking achievement of winning the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500. Patrick, piloting a Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, made history as the first woman to earn a Cup Series pole with a blistering speed of 196.434 mph, yet concerns lingered about the difficulties she would encounter advancing in NASCAR’s premier series.
Andretti Applauds Patrick’s Milestone but Points to Hurdles Ahead
Mario Andretti, well-acquainted with Danica Patrick from her days racing in IndyCar for his son Michael Andretti’s team, expressed admiration for her notable feat in NASCAR. Despite recognizing her individual achievement, Andretti expressed doubts about whether Patrick could consistently mirror her open-wheel success in the highly competitive Cup Series, particularly given her relative inexperience in stock car racing.
“Any top 10 finish would be golden for her. It all depends on how many people will work with her, and very likely, not too many will because of her limited experience. She may be left out to dry. There you go for the best shot you have as far as who you try to help and get help from. All of that will play out,”
—Mario Andretti, Racing Legend
Andretti’s comments highlighted the importance of building strong alliances on race day. Collaborations and on-track partnerships often define a driver’s success in the Cup Series, and Andretti noted that Patrick’s rookie status might lead to hesitancy among seasoned drivers when working with her, potentially making her journey more challenging.
Building Relationships Was Key to NASCAR Success
The champion also explained that if Danica Patrick proved herself early—by showcasing her car’s speed and positioning herself as a beneficial drafting partner—then other drivers might naturally align with her. Demonstrating the ability to keep up with the competitors and function as a reliable ally was crucial for gaining the trust needed for favorable outcomes in the field.
“If she shows early on she really has a fast car and a desirable partner, they will gravitate toward her. We have to see how it plays out. Her car is fast, but let’s see how it works out in traffic. I’m pulling for her, but I pull for a lot of drivers there. I like a lot of the NASCAR drivers. If she does well I will feel very good for her, for sure,”
—Mario Andretti, Racing Legend
Throughout the 2013 NASCAR Cup Series season, Patrick gave fans and critics something to talk about. She stirred excitement by finishing eighth in the Daytona 500—delivering precisely the type of result Andretti marked as “golden.” Her successful start laid the foundation for her five-year tenure as a full-time Cup driver at Stewart-Haas Racing.
Patrick’s Results Over Her NASCAR Career
Over her full NASCAR Cup Series career, Patrick secured six additional Top 10 placements, with her best result—a sixth-place finish—coming at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2014. Despite flashes of promise and moments of strong performance, she struggled to break through as a consistent front-runner within the series. Her journey culminated in 2018 with her final appearance in the Daytona 500, where she was eliminated by a crash.
Returning to IndyCar for a Final Goodbye
Danica Patrick brought her tenure as a full-time NASCAR driver to a close after the 2017 season. She decided to end her impressive motorsports career on a high note with the “Danica Double”—a farewell tour that included both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. Unfortunately, Patrick’s last attempts at both iconic races ended in crashes, but her return to Indianapolis for her final Indy 500 was celebrated within the racing community.
“She’s had a very positive impact on the sport of motor racing, period — wherever she went. So it’s wonderful that she chose to have her very last race of her career right here in Indianapolis, and I wish her well. I always admired her, quite honestly. We’re good friends, and I think she’s found a purpose outside of the sport, and that’s wonderful to see,”
—Mario Andretti, 1969 Indy 500 Winner
Patrick’s Life Beyond Racing and Ongoing Influence
After stepping away from her driving career, Danica Patrick shifted her focus to other ventures. Since 2021, she has established herself as a sports analyst, joining the Sky Sports F1 team. Her insights continue to reach fans, as she has covered the Indy 500 for NBC from 2019 to 2024 and is set to join FOX in 2025. Patrick’s evolution from racer to commentator allows her to share her passion, drawing on her experiences from IndyCar, NASCAR, and major venues like Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, keeping her influence alive in motorsport circles.
