Danica Patrick Interview III
We’re joined by Danica Patrick. Danica Patrick leads the Bombardier Rookie-of-the-Year standings, ranks 12th overall in points, has two poles, including this past weekend at Kentucky, and two fourth-place finishes this season, including the Indianapolis 500.
Danica Patrick, give us some thoughts on Pikes Peak , another facility you don’t have any experience at. What are your thoughts as you head there?
DANICA PATRICK: You know, I’m anxious to have a good weekend; I don’t really care where it’s at. I think we’ve been improving in the car at the short ovals. Hopefully that can carry on over and have a good race.
Q. Expectations are extremely high after your finish at Indy. Are they higher than a rookie should have to shoulder? Do you find you are driving closer to the edge because of those expectations?
DANICA PATRICK: I don’t feel like — I haven’t in all this felt like I had to do anything. I think in feeling like that, I don’t let the expectation or the anticipation or all the articles written get to me. I don’t feel like I have to do anything. So, you know, it’s probably what keeps me sane.
What was the second part of your question? Do I feel like I’m driving harder?
Q. Yes.
DANICA PATRICK: No. I would drive this hard whether there was a bunch of people looking or none.
Q. Looking ahead a week, you drove Infineon one time, is that correct?
DANICA PATRICK: Uh-huh.
Q. This year?
DANICA PATRICK: No, last year.
Q. Infineon, the road racing course.
DANICA PATRICK: I’ve never raced there.
Q. You never have?
DANICA PATRICK: No.
Q. With Scottsdale kind of your adopted hometown, it become official, PIR next year is not hosting a race.
DANICA PATRICK: In all honesty, we didn’t have the best race there. If they took something like Indy off the schedule or Motegi, the last weekend - where were we? They’re all blending into one. Kentucky . Then I’d be disappointed. We didn’t have the best race there, so putting more big ovals on the schedule is probably more ideal for our situation. You know, you never like to see a hometown race go. It’s always nice to have one that you can drive to as opposed to fly.
You know, I would imagine that the reason for it coming off the schedule is a good reason, and it will be replaced by a great event.
Q. Are you looking forward to racing at Infineon? You do have a road racing background. It should be a little easier for you than learning some of the new ovals.
DANICA PATRICK: Am I looking forward to a road course, is that what you’re asking?
Q. Yes.
DANICA PATRICK: Well, I mean, it’s always fun to go do something different. I obviously love road racing. But I still am going to be very, very much a rookie. I mean, these guys have raced in big cars far more than I have, you know, with past Champ Car drivers, past guys that have been doing, you know, Formula One stuff, Indy Lights, all that kind of stuff. Atlantic is a very sort of slow, under-powered car. It doesn’t really — it’s not really very equal to an IndyCar.
Q. Would you like to see more road courses in the IRL series?
DANICA PATRICK: Yes. I mean, I’d love to see a couple more, definitely. I like street racing. Street racing is definitely fun. It would be nice to get downtown, a couple cities. Experiencing that within the last couple years was a lot of fun. I do hope that there are a few more on the schedule for sure.
Q. You tested at Infineon?
DANICA PATRICK: Yes
Q. What did you like about the course and what didn’t you like about it?
DANICA PATRICK: You know, I thought it was — it was just good to get to a road course. It was fun. You know, I mean, any road course is fun. I think it’s a rhythm track. If you can get the rhythm down there, it would be good.
I didn’t like — our car has so much grip there, it’s incredible how much grip and how many Gs we’re probably pulling in all those corners. It’s very physical. It’s kind of during the long duration of the race going to be difficult for everyone. I don’t think it should be a weight-lifting competition.
Q. Do you prepare physically different for the road course? Are you doing a different kind of workout?
DANICA PATRICK: I’m just lifting harder, more. Being very consistent with it. That’s all I can do.
Q. At what age did you know that you had a natural ability to drive?
DANICA PATRICK: I guess probably from the start. I don’t know. I was winning races within my first year of racing. I think, you know, something that has driven me all the time is the yearning to prove myself over and over again. Be confident you’re good enough, but always feel you need to earn your keep where you’re at. I think it just grows over time. I don’t think there’s ever a distinctive moment where I said, “I belong.” As soon as you get there, you still have to do the job.
I think you have to continue to prove yourself all the time.
Q. You mentioned for your situation you’d like to see more of the bigger ovals. What is your comfort level going into a mile track like Pikes Peak ?
DANICA PATRICK: Depends on how the car’s going to be. If the car’s good, it’s a lot of fun. It’s much more straightforward. If the car is going to be difficult, if it’s going to be a struggle, then it’s not as exciting. We’ll have to wait and see on that one.
Q. It’s not a case of the length of the track as much as how the car’s performing?
DANICA PATRICK: Right. When the car is fast, it’s actually really very easy, believe it or not. When the car is bad, that’s when you earn your money.
Q. You’re 12th in the points race. Do you see being able to improve on that in the season?
DANICA PATRICK: I sure hope so. That’s the goal.
Q. Do you feel pretty comfortable with where you are?
DANICA PATRICK: Do I feel comfortable with where I’m at?
Q. Being able to launch forward.
DANICA PATRICK: I’m hoping to. Every single race we go out there, we are always trying to win the race. I mean, every single one. That’s what you’re going into it hoping for and trying to do.
Am I happy and comfortable with being 12th? No. I mean, obviously I want to be higher than that. Everybody has their good runs and bad runs in the duration of the championship. I’ve had a bad run. I’ve basically kind of DNF’d three races.
Q. Time for a change?
DANICA PATRICK: I sure as heck hope so.
Q. Could you describe your association with Bobby Rahal as far as utilizing his experience to improve your own racing, maybe give us a sample.
DANICA PATRICK: He’s a knowledgeable guy from the standpoint of business, on-track stuff. I use him as much as I can to keep excelling and keep learning.
Q. Looks like all the questions we have this afternoon for you, Danica. Thanks for taking the time to join us. Good luck this weekend.
DANICA PATRICK: Thank you.