Danica Patrick Skipping The Indianapolis 500
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Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR(CONCORD, N.C.) — Danica Patrick is putting the Indianapolis 500 in her rearview mirror.
The 29-year-old Patrick announced Monday that she is skipping the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” to run in NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. Both races are scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 26th.
“What if there are some issues with qualifying and all of sudden you extend your days?” Patrick said of her decision. “I couldn’t afford the chance to miss a Nationwide race.”
After seven seasons on the IndyCar circuit, Patrick is making the full-time transition to the NASCAR Nationwide series this year. She will be driving for JR Motorsports while also running a limited Sprint Cup schedule for Stewart-Haas Racing.
When Patrick made her IndyCar debut in 2005, she made history by becoming the first female driver to lead a lap at the Indianapolis 500. She finished a career-best third in the event in 2009.
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