Should Sexy IRL Driver Danica Patrick Make the Switch to NASCAR?

Though the beautiful, feisty Indy driver recently announced she would be sticking to open wheel racing and would change from Letterman to Andretti Green Racing, I still thought it was worthy of discussing the possibility of her future switch to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Ever since I saw Danica Patrick on the track and in real life I thought she had NASCAR potential. However, many diehard Formula One fans despise her decision to even ponder making the switch. After all, Formula One needs Patrick a heck of a lot more than the father of all forms of auto racing; the Nextel Cup Series. With that said, here's my case for Danica Patrick making the switch:

She's a PR representative's dream.

The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series is full of egos and characters, and most of the races resemble that of a Soap Opera. Why not cast a leading lady to fill that spot? Danica Patrick has plenty of years left before her, and a public relations representative could milk every penny out of her while they can. Danica Patrick is a beautiful, talented driver that could add some sparkle and sex to the NASCAR scene. This could be huge for both the male and female audiences. Couldn't you just see a sexy Danica Patrick poster hanging on the wall where she's leaning against a stock car with a bikini on and she's holding a drill? Sex certainly does sell, no matter how you want to spin it. She would always be labeled as NASCAR's little darling. NASCAR is full of stars, and she would certainly be a starlet; bringing more attention to the already well oiled NASCAR machine.

She'd fulfill NASCAR's Drive for Diversity campaign.

NASCAR is currently on a "Drive for Diversity" campaign in an attempt to get away from the years of stereotypes associated with NASCAR and instead incorporate are more diversified lineup. Besides advertisements and sponsors, NASCAR has also made attempts by hiring African American, Mexican, and people of other nationalities to drive the stock cars. For instance, Juan Pablo Montoya started the last quarter of the races in the 2006 season and had limited success. The Busch Series has also gone south of the border for a few races in 2006 and will continue to do so in the years coming up. If Patrick made the change she would make an easy transition and would make NASCAR a heck of a lot of money.

She's the female equivalent of Tony Stewart.

Perhaps the biggest reason that she would be a nice fit for NASCAR is that she drives with a lot of passion and when she doesn't win she lets everyone know it. Of course, this leads to a few highlights on Sportscenter and on the front of every Sports newspaper across America. For instance, after her IRL race in Michigan when she ran out of gas with two laps left in the race she got out of the car screaming, cursing, and stomping off into her trailer. She showed her displeasure with the crew on the post race interview. This type of thing is prominent in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. This happens often, especially with someone like Tony Stewart. The only thing he wants to do is win, and if he doesn't he'll let the cameras know how bad he hates it. Can you imagine the video reel of Danica getting in the face of Kevin Harvick after he's spun her out of the race? Women would love it!

NASCAR is the king of auto racing.

The IRL is quickly losing popularity year after year. The league is struggling, whether it's from sponsors or slumping ticket sales. However, NASCAR is the ultimate auto racing sport. If you're looking to further your racing career then this is the way to go. The cars are much harder to handle, and even Tony Stewart mentioned that the cars in the IRL are so easy that his grandmother could drive them around. So, if Patrick wants to succeed and run with the boys, then NASCAR is the only way to go.

I think Danica Patrick would make a great fit in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. For now, she's sticking with the IRL, but eventually we could see her sliding into a stock car and drafting with the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon.