IRL working to keep Danica
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
AP
IndyCar driver Danica Patrick listens to a question during a news conference at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Thursday, July 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
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Actress Ashley Judd, left, greets Danica Patrick, right, before qualifying laps for the IndyCar Series' Iowa Corn Indy 250 auto race Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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JOLIET, IL - AUGUST 28: Danica Patrick,driver of the #7 Boost Mobile Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda during practice for the IRL IndyCar Series PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 on August 28, 2009 at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois (Photo by Darrell Ingham/Getty Images)
Getty Images
JOLIET, IL- AUGUST 28: Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 Boost Mobile Motorola Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda, looks on during qualifying for the IRL IndyCar Series PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 on August 28, 2009 at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo By Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
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SONOMA, CA - AUGUST 22: Danica Patrick drives the #27 Boost Mobile Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda during practice for the IRL IndyCar Series Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at the Infineon Raceway on August 22, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Darrell Ingham/Getty Images)
JOLIET, Ill. - The IRL is taking a hands-on approach to keep Danica Patrick.
Series officials have talked directly with her representatives at IMG in an effort to keep racing's glamour girl with the IRL and prevent a jump to NASCAR after this season.
"We think it's very important," said Terry Angstadt, president of the IRL's commercial division. "We have worked hard and closely with IMG to hopefully give them confidence in the future of our series and her role in the future of our series. Those conversations have gone very well. I think we're looking pretty good. ... We feel good about it. We hope it's all going to come together."
Patrick's three-year contract with Andretti Green Racing expires at the end of the season, and although she has indicated she plans to stay put, she sidestepped questions about her future before the race at Chicagoland Speedway.
It's easy to see why keeping her is a top priority for the IRL.
One of the most marketable stars, Patrick entered Saturday's race fifth on the points list and had a season-high third-place finish at the Indy 500 that ranks as the best showing in that event by a woman.
She finished 12th in Saturday night's race.
Patrick told SI.com before last week's race at Sonoma that "things are going well, and we are definitely moving forward so that is good" but would not discuss her future this week, repeatedly saying there were three races remaining. A switch to NASCAR could mean more salary, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, but the IRL is making a strong sales pitch.
"We really respect their role, respect the magnitude of this decision for her, and they're going to do what's best for her," Angstadt said. "And we've respected that from Day 1. That's why you try to present your property as effectively as you can, and you hope she makes the right decision."
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