Patrick signs on for Saturday's race

[Schwartz Fan]

Patrick signs on for Saturday's race
By Jim Utter


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Danica-mania will continue another week at Daytona International Speedway.

IndyCar star Danica Patrick will now make her NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in Saturday's season opener, a source close to the decision-making process confirmed Sunday night for the Observer and ThatsRacin.com.

Patrick finished sixth Saturday in the Automobile Racing Club of America series opener at Daytona in her stock car racing debut.

When Patrick announced her partnership with JR Motorsports to run a limited Nationwide schedule this season, she originally picked the Feb. 20 race at Auto Club Speedway of California to make her debut.

A formal announcement of Patrick's decision is expected at 8 a.m. Monday.

As recently as Saturday night, JR Motorsports co-owner Kelley Earnhardt said she was “50-50” on whether Patrick should make her first Nationwide start at Daytona.

"I want to see her out there doing it, because that is what we signed up to do. But at the same time, there is a lot of experience out there that I don't know if she is ready for," Earnhardt said.

"You're not going to know until she gets out there."

Patrick's crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., was all set Saturday night to return for the Nationwide opener with his new driver.

"I would like to see her do it," Eury said. "I couldn't have asked much more from her (in the race). She was put in some predicaments. I was pretty impressed with her last 20 laps."

Patrick's change in plans is expected to keep JR Motorsports teammate Kelly Bires on the sidelines.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was already scheduled to drive the organization's No. 88 and Bires was to drive the No. 7 had Patrick not chosen to run the race.

Patrick signs on for Saturday's race | www.thatsracin.com