Danica Patrick confirms 2011 NASCAR plans
Danica Patrick will return to the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet this season
The world’s highest profile female racing car driver Danica Patrick has confirmed a 12 race NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule for 2011.
Patrick will continue to drive a full season of Izod IndyCar Series races for Andretti Autosport, as she contemplates a full-time switch to NASCAR.
The 28-year-old competed in 13 Nationwide races with JR Motorspots last year, scoring a best result of 19th at the season finale in Homestead.
Patrick believes that her second season with the team will see a distinct improvement.
“I have a much different perspective heading into this season,” she said.
“I know a little more of what to expect, and I’m not as out of my element.
“I’ve had a year to work with my team, and there is a comfort level that comes with returning to some of these tracks.
Patrick scored a season best 19th at Homestead
“It’s obvious experience goes a long way in this sport.”
Patrick’s 2011 Nationwide schedule will include the season’s first four races at Daytona (Feb. 19), Phoenix (Feb. 26), Las Vegas (March 5) and Bristol (March 19), before further races at Chicagoland (June 4), Daytona (July 1), Montreal (Aug. 20), Richmond (Sept. 9), and Kansas (Oct. 8).
She will also contest the final three races of the season at Texas (Nov. 5), Phoenix (Nov. 12) and Homestead (Nov. 19).
It will be the first time Patrick has raced a NASCAR at Bristol, Richmond, Kansas and Montreal – with the Canadian race also scheduled as her first road course appearance.