[MikeNoun]

The most famous words in auto racing, "Drivers, start your engines!", ended up as the funniest moment of the 2013 Daytona 500. Not sure if you guys caught this or not....

Since the introduction of female drivers to Indy and NASCAR, the famous command has changed to either, "Gentlemen, and Lady, start your engines", or more frequently (with more females on the grid), it's , "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines."

But with all the Danicamania this past week, they had to tweak the line. Actor James Franco gave the command, but he blew it.

"Drivers......and Danica, start your engines!"

We burst out laughing. So Danica Patrick isn't a driver?

I think he meant to say "Gentlemen, and Danica, start your engines", but it came out wrong.

I thought she did very well in the race. Her pit stops sucked, she needs more practice on not spinning her tires, and she was always about 2 seconds slower (and losing positions in the process) than the rest of the field, but she's getting better.

I think her post-race interviews are painful to watch. When asked how the race went, she begins to give you every detail about the handling, traction, engine revs, etc., like she's giving her crew chief feedback.

All we wanted to know was how the race was for her, we're not your chassis guy.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

The most famous words in auto racing, "Drivers, start your engines!", ended up as the funniest moment of the 2013 Daytona 500. Not sure if you guys caught this or not....

Since the introduction of female drivers to Indy and NASCAR, the famous command has changed to either, "Gentlemen, and Lady, start your engines", or more frequently (with more females on the grid), it's , "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines."

But with all the Danicamania this past week, they had to tweak the line. Actor James Franco gave the command, but he blew it.

"Drivers......and Danica, start your engines!"

We burst out laughing. So Danica Patrick isn't a driver?

I think he meant to say "Gentlemen, and Danica, start your engines", but it came out wrong.

http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=721359

I posted that right away.

And, everyone is thinking about the end of the race. When I posted she wasn't racing it was evident throughout the race. There were several instances where she could have tried the lower line and then pitted a few laps later and come out about the same position. Whomever coached her, hasn't done a very good job up to this point. While it's true I don't race, I have/had several friends that do/did and they like playing in the dirt.

[tom s]

I think Tony and her crew chief are telling her what to do.They have both said they want her to get laps and finish the races.Very easy for everyone to sit behind a keyboard and say what she should have done.I think she did impress her peers,JJ even siad he just saw her as another racers and she did finish way ahead of some very good racers in very good cars.Tom

[MikeNoun]

I like Danica. I'm not one of the Danica haters.

The only thing she needs work on now is her pit stops. She's already proven she can drive on a road course, which to me is far more impressive than being able to drive at a superspeedway. Road courses take talent, skill, and timing. Superspeedways take patience, a good car, and a drafting partner.

Yes, as pointed out by Champ, she has 15 years in professional racing, and 1 win.

Yes, that's overrated, and that deserves to be pointed out.

But she's good for the sport now, and I for one like seeing her out there. It's just business, and NASCAR is making her their golden child right now.

I still think she'll win a race this year.

And before we criticize her TOO much on her record....

Bobby Labonte hasn't won in 10 years, yet he still gets a ride every year.

Juan Pablo Montoya is one of the best drivers in the world, but in 6 years of racing NASCAR with a top notch team, he has 1 win.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

idunno if she'll win a race this year - but she'll make some more good showings.
But within the next 2 years i bet she gets into a Yarborough/Allison fist fight with another driver. Then the ratings will soar like an eagle.

i see tremendous further potential in her making good finishes.
she's going to keep getting better and better.
She isnt JUST a novelty or another janet guthrie or kyle petty



If Travis Pastrana makes the big league, a lot of new fans will come into the sport too.
He has a lot of followers and could rival Dale Jr for most popular driver eventually - if he makes it - and does well. And i think he will.

He ran Strong in nationwide saturday.
- even though some think finishing 8th is easy.
He didn't make the pole which is probably easy too - but 2nd row wasnt bad

[hada76]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

I like Danica. I'm not one of the Danica haters.
The only thing she needs work on now is her pit stops.

it was pointed out during the race that she had a crappy pit stall, not enough room to get going. as far as making a move at the end of the race, her crew chief/spotters should have told her that jr. and the others were ready to haul azz

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by hada76

it was pointed out during the race that she had a crappy pit stall, not enough room to get going. as far as making a move at the end of the race, her crew chief/spotters should have told her that jr. and the others were ready to haul azz

This was the media making excuses for Wanica.

She wasn't assigned that pit stall - she chose it.

The first pit stall is the coveted position - because you can't ever get blocked in.

Also - the driver in the first pit stall gets to hammer the gas and go when work is completed - they can't be caught speeding off pit road.

Ask the other 42 drivers where they would have wanted to pit at Daytona (or most any other track)?

Somehow the media made a huge advantage for Wanica out to be a disadvantage...

[67_Krewzer]

Originally Posted by hada76

it was pointed out during the race that she had a crappy pit stall, not enough room to get going. as far as making a move at the end of the race, her crew chief/spotters should have told her that jr. and the others were ready to haul azz

With a wreck just happening behind her in the back of the pack and Jr coming up quick, I wonder just what her chief / spotters were telling her? Hold ! GO ! Aww crap be just got burned....