How Danica Patrick Will Change NASCAR

After years of expanding their fan base and increasing ratings, it looks as though NASCAR has peaked and is starting to decline in popularity. The decline can be partially attributed to the economy, but also the lack of story lines (outside of Jeremy Mayfield) and rivalries. NASCAR doesn't just need a couple of new faces, or even a few women drivers. NASCAR needs a star that will bring media attention, sponsors, fans, and sex appeal to the 'sport'. The woman for that job is IndyCar driver Danica Patrick. Danica Patrick would change NASCAR significantly through increased ratings, fans, sponsorship money and more.

I truly believe that Danica Patrick will join NASCAR. Patrick will make the smart decision and go where the money is and where the fans are, although IndyCar will do everything in their power to keep her. When Patrick comes onto the NASCAR scene, instant changes will be seen.

Ratings Boost
First off, attendance and television ratings will sky rocket. Everyone, even non-NASCAR fans will tune in to see this very attractive and talented driver race against the best drivers in the world. Those who won't be cheering for Danica to win, will be cheering for her to end up losing control and into a wall.

Women Fans
Danica Patrick won't just bring in new fans who find her attractive, she will bring in millions and millions of women loving sports fans rooting for her to succeed among the men. Danica might be able to become the 2nd or 3rd most popular driver without even winning a race. There are millions of female sports fans just waiting for someone to come along that they can root for against their husbands. Along with the increase in women fans comes an increase in purchased merchandise. I would expect Danica to instantly beat out Dale Jr. or Tony Stewart in sold merchandise, but she could come close.

Sponsors
New companies would be looking to cash in on Danica's entrance into the NASCAR world. Gender specific products would now have a large number of their target market (women) in attendance and watching on television. I don't think we will see a Tampax car, but you get my drift.

Future of Women in NASCAR
Patrick will also open up the door for other women to enter the sport, both as drivers and as crew chiefs, pit crew members, announcers, and so on. If Patrick comes in and has success, expect the impact to be even greater and for many women drivers to attempt to make the jump up to NASCAR.

Rivalries
With the emergence of Danica Patrick, you can bet that a rivalry will soon follow. The first time Patrick is put into a wall, or the first time Danica spins out an opposing driver, the media and fans will not let it go, along with the other driver. No male NASCAR driver wants to be beaten by a woman, even one as talented as Danica. The rivalries that she would inspire would bring even more attention to the sport and more excitement for fans.

Sex Appeal
It's almost a guarantee that Patrick's sex appeal will be one of the most discussed topics once she enters NASCAR racing. Action figures will fly off of shelves, and Danica Patrick posters will be in hundreds of thousands of homes around America. Because of the increased exposure (no pun intended), Danica will become one of the 'hottest' women in sports, if not in the world. The sex appeal will change many peoples view of the sport, and how it is covered and sold through merchandise.

Whether you are for or against Danica Patrick making the jump to NASCAR, the impact would be seen in many ways and would change the sport forever. Please leave your opinions below in the comments.