Racing League (IRL) driver Danica Patrick brought the grandstand spectators to their feet on Lap 96 when the IndyCar Series regular bolted to the lead of the Subway Jalapeno 250 Friday night.JR Motorsports teammate Aric Almirola pushed Patrick to the front causing the spontaneous race fan celebration.
She was stirred but not shaken by the crash, said in the garage area."On the other hand, if you back off, other people are getting runs on you, so you have to be careful you don't drop back too far. That's when cars are spread out across the track, which is when things like that (big wreck) happen."Patrick, who is heavily rumored to be leaving IndyCar to race in NASCAR next season, said she was pleased with her performance.
It was a bit of a mess at the end."That doesn't change the fact that I had a lot of fun. It was really good to run up front and lead laps for real. I wasn't pushed to the lead for one lap, but led a lot of laps."Patrick's crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., had a wide smile after the race, in which his driver led five times for 13 laps and finished 10th.
I appreciate Tony Stewart helping her at the first of the race. Tony took the time with her then we got hooked up there at the end with Aric."Patrick displayed plenty of moxy as she battled with the boys on a clear, breezy night.
She made several bold moves during the race.The highest compliment? She got a high five from Almirola."Good job out there buddy," she said. "I hope I was OK.""I thought you did good," Almirola said. "This was only your second time doing it.
