Indianapolis 500: Does Danica Patrick Stand a Chance in Her Last 500?

The 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 is expected to be the last Indy 500 for Danica Patrick. She is expected to dedicate her career to a full time NASCAR schedule next season and say goodbye to the IRL. When Danica does leave the IRL it may be a good thing for the series in the long run.

Danica is a 15-1 shot according to the Las Vegas Hilton Superbook, to win this years Indianapolis 500 and if she can get into a position, where she can get clean air through a pit strategy, she does have a legitimate chance to win the Indianapolis 500. The Brickyard is Danica's favorite track by far and as much as she loves the two and half mile oval it loves hers back accordingly.

The speedway is not an easy track to master but Danica Patrick has learned quickly to take advantage of the subtle nuances of the differently shaped track. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a one of a kind track that requires a special driver and for this one track, on this one special Memorial Day Weekend, she may be among the top five drivers with a chance to win.

Waiting in the wings is Simona De Silvestro and she has talent on the road courses as well as the intermediate and the big tracks. Danica Patrick has spoken volumes without saying a word about her future with the IRL. There have been rumors brewing for the last several months that Danica will be in a NASCAR Sprint Cup for a minimum of five races in 2012 and there is a possibility she may be full time with the Stewart Haas team in 2012.

Sifting through the numerous rumors regarding Danica, the Stewart Haas rumor appears to have the most logic behind it. The deal would be a joint venture with JR Motorsports and Stewart Haas Racing. Both teams are satellite arms of Hendrick Motorsports. A joint deal with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team and Stewart Haas would work well for Tony Stewart and it would allow Dale Earnhardt Jr. to have a stake in a NASCAR Sprint Cup team.

Where does Danica stand a chance to be more successful? Unfortunately her success lies in a NASCAR career full time. I say unfortunately, because Danica is a cash cow for the IRL and she will be hard to replace.The IRL has to accept the fact that Danica is moving on after this season and they must begin to develop their next generation now while she is still in the series.

Sources:

Speed TV: Jimmy Spencer

Las Vegas Hitlon Superbook Odds to Win Indianapolis 500

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