During the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards, comedian Jay Mohr, known for his sharp wit, stirred controversy with a joke targeting Danica Patrick, leading to an undeniably frosty response. The Danica Patrick NASCAR award show moment quickly became a focal point of conversation among drivers, fans, and attendees in Reno that year.
Jay Mohr’s Return Sets the Stage for Tension
Jay Mohr, a seasoned favorite among NASCAR audiences and a veteran stage performer, returned as host of the Sprint Cup Awards after a seven-year absence. That night, Jimmie Johnson’s achievement of moving within one championship of tying legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt was expected to dominate discussions. Yet Mohr’s presence and comedic style claimed much of the post-event talk, especially with how his jokes landed on drivers and the broader crowd, including key names such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other stars in attendance.
Biting Monologue Draws Stern Glance from Danica Patrick
Mohr’s opening monologue riffed on numerous hot-button issues from the racing season, striking both light-hearted and pointed notes with jabs directed across the driver lineup. One example included a dig at Dale Earnhardt Jr., suggesting a Wynn valet struggled to find victory lane for his car, a line that drew both laughs and groans. However, Mohr saved his edgiest remark for Danica Patrick, who was attending with her boyfriend and then-rookie of the year, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Mohr said,
Danica, I hope you are not too uncomfortable tonight. I know you’re not used to being this close to the front.
– Jay Mohr, Comedian and Host
Though Mohr attempted to offset the sting by highlighting Patrick’s Daytona 500 pole win, his comments failed to amuse Patrick. The chill in the room deepened when Mohr poked fun at Stenhouse’s rookie honor, urging the audience not to applaud, and also joked about the “chaos” in their relationship, pointing to an on-track incident at New Hampshire earlier that season.
Response From Patrick and Stenhouse Is Unmistakable
The immediate effect of Mohr’s monologue was evident: cold reactions from both Patrick and Stenhouse. Their displeasure became even clearer when Patrick responded during her Sprint award acceptance comments, stating,
I’d like to thank all of my fans, and I think it’s pretty safe to say that Jay Mohr’s not one of them.
– Danica Patrick, NASCAR Driver
This pointed response was noted by many in the audience and reinforced how sensitive the moment had become, shifting the focus away from the evening’s racing milestones and onto the reception of Mohr’s comic approach.
A Brief Apology and Continuing Barbs
Mohr addressed the situation later in the ceremony, stating he
could not be more of a Danica Patrick fan,
– Jay Mohr, Comedian and Host, which appeared to soften the mood slightly, earning tentative smiles from both Patrick and Stenhouse. Despite the apology, Mohr returned to his monologue, referencing Jeff Gordon’s controversial entry into that season’s Chase and quipping about Gordon’s potential appearance at the Oscars. He also joked about Jimmie Johnson’s record-breaking run and teased the possibility of retirement or following Jeff Gordon’s example after four championships.
No driver was immune to Mohr’s routine. Clint Bowyer, who was involved in the Richmond team-orders scandal, was also teased, drawing attention to NASCAR’s willingness to poke fun at itself. Through it all, the majority of drivers like Earnhardt, Kurt Busch, and Kevin Harvick demonstrated their willingness to absorb the jabs, with many expressing their approval of Mohr’s performance by night’s end.
Mohr’s Legacy as a NASCAR Awards Host
Mohr returned as host for the 2016 awards, delivering another round of sharp humor aimed at notable figures such as Johnson, Chase Elliott, Tony Stewart, and others. His style, while sometimes provoking discomfort as with Danica Patrick, cemented his place as one of the most daring and memorable emcees in NASCAR award show history. The 2013 incident with Patrick, in particular, remains a notable moment, underscoring the sometimes unpredictable blend of comedy and sport at such ceremonies.
The episode highlighted the delicate balance between humor and respect at high-profile gatherings, and Danica Patrick’s response ensured that moments from the award show would be remembered well beyond the season’s racing headlines.
