Danica Patrick Interview V
Danica Patrcik was interviewed by Alexandra Straub, an automotive journalist.
Q: How did you feel about your finish today with regards to yourself and your car?
Danica Patrick: Good. I think that were close which is important, and to always be in the hunt. I wanted to try and get pole so that I could ensure a front row tomorrow. Usually if you are close one day you will stay close the next.
Q: This isnt your first time in Vancouver.
Danica Patrick: I came here two years ago for Barber Dodge. I really like Vancouver; I like the track a lot. I was disappointed last year when it wasnt on the schedule.
Q: Whats your favorite race track of the events youve been to?
Danica Patrick: It depends on the city too. I mean this one was a great one two years ago. I really do like it. I like Toronto too because thats got a really good feel to it. Montreal is a great one too. I like all the Canadian races to be honest.
AS: Along side your racing career, Ive watched you on the TV show Zero-60. How do you manage to find the time to do everything?
Danica Patrick: This (racing) is my only job. Other than the 12 race weekends and the test days, I devote all my time to TV and you know. What else am I going to do, sit on my butt?!
Q: In your off time, what are your favorite things to do?
Danica Patrick: I like to travel a lot, I like to go shopping, I like to get manicures and massages.
Q: Other than Barber Dodge which youve been in, and go-karting, and now youre in Toyota Atlantic, are there any other racing series that you would like to pursue?
Danica Patrick: My line has kind of been to become successful open-wheel race car driver whatever that may be. Whether thats Cart, whether thats IRL, whether thats Formula 1, I dont know. Thats my goal.
Q: I read somewhere that you do a 26-pose, 90 minute in extreme heat type of yoga in preparation for racing.
Danica Patrick: Its called Bikram, its pretty popular and its a lot of fun. I dont do it as much as I used to because I moved back home to Illinois. I used to do it everyday in Ohio.
Q: So whats hotter, the race car or the yoga?
Danica Patrick: The yoga!
Q: Whats the hottest you have ever been in a race car?
Danica Patrick: I was in a race car that had a closed top. It was a Ferrari 550 Marinello that I raced in Road Atlanta and I think it got up to 160 or 180 (degrees Fahrenheit).
Q: What is your favorite street car?
Danica Patrick: Ive always said I loved the 360 Ferrari. Im sure it will change by the time I can afford one!
Q: What kind of car do you own right now?
Danica Patrick: I dont own a car but I have a Mercedes, an SLK 230.
Q: Have you always known you wanted to race cars, or was it something that just fell into your lap?
Danica Patrick: It is something that evolved since I was 10-years-old to where it is now. I couldnt say that at the beginning that I was going to make a career out of it. Low and behold here I am and I would drop anything for it. Its all about finding what youre good at and what you love to do.
Q: Do you have any free time to spend here in Vancouver, or in any race city with your tight schedule of practices and qualifying, and press conferences?
Danica Patrick: Sometimes I do, and sometimes I dont. Luckily enough this weekend I have the nights to myself so I can go out to dinner with my family.