View Danica Patrick Book
”DANICA PATRICK: America’s Hottest Racer”
By Jonathan Ingram and Paul Webb
Review by Gregg Leary
Category:Auto Racing -> Indy Car
Every racing book doesn’t have to be “War and Peace.” This one isn’t. Every racing driver doesn’t have to be Mario Andretti or John Force. Danica Patrick isn’t. What she IS…is the best thing to happen to American open-wheel racing in the decade since the CART/IRL split. The media hype surrounding her performance in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 put Indianapolis back on front pages across the country and around the globe…largely based on this one hundred pound Atlas taking the weight of the Indy Racing League on her slender shoulders.
In the Foreword, Lyn St. James, who competed in seven Indy 500’s, lists the requirements necessary for a racing driver to succeed: “Talent, skill, personality, media savvy, technical ability, desire, physical and mental strength, determination and even luck…to GET the opportunity. Danica Patrick is exceptional, which is the primary reason she’s gotten the opportunities she has, and has then delivered results along the way.”
The RESULTS include being the first female to ever lead a lap in the Indianapolis 500 and being in a position to actually WIN the thing. Her fourth place finish was the highest ever by a woman at the Brickyard. She was Indianapolis 500 and Indy Racing League “Rookie of the Year.” These accolades are genderless.
St. James points out that “the car doesn’t know the difference,” and “ the
stopwatch doesn’t lie or take favorites.”
Danica says, “I want people to say, ‘You’re a good driver,” not ‘You’re a good
female driver.’ I know I’m the best chick.” This almost sounds like the female equivalent of being cocky…but being confident IS a major requirement to being a good race driver.
One huge plus for the book is Chapter Two: “Bravehearts.” It tells the stories of pioneering women in motorsports… some well known cultural icons like 3 Time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Shirley Muldowney… some “semi celebrities” and many known only to historians and die hard racing fans. Janet Guthrie found success in open-wheel and stock cars. She finished ninth in the Indy 500 with a broken wrist and sixth at Bristol, arguably NASCAR’s most physically demanding track. Louise Smith, Sara Christian, Ethel Flock, Patty Moise and Shawna Robinson are applauded for their NASCAR prowess. Michele Mouton is lauded for winning the Pike’s Peak hillclimb in 1985. Lella Lombardi and Desire Wilson are profiled beyond their F1 footnote status. Angelle Sampey, Ashley Force and Hillary Will get their drag racing kudos.
Erin Crocker, Liz Halliday and motorcyclist Elena Myers are mentioned. Three names that should be barometers for Danica’s career are included. Paula Murphy was the first woman to run laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway…in a Novi. Sarah Fisher, who won an IRL pole, led two races for 30 laps and finished second in an IRL race is profiled. Perhaps Toyota Atlantic driver Katherine Legge should be receiving much more hype than she has. She WON three Formula Atlantic races as a rookie…something Danica was unable to do in two seasons. In fact, Danica has not won an open-wheel race since her go karting days...but as famed motorsports windbag Dave Despain so often cynically says, “Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.” And Danica’s is a GOOD story. It is quite possible that Danica will inspire as many female racers as the “Magnificent Seven” did female gymnasts.
The old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” may NOT apply here. The glamorous cover shot of Danica in uniform by Getty images shows why many consider her, “America’s HOTTEST Racer.” Paul Webb’s 100 or so images do nothing to dispel the notion. However, the back jacket shows some nice “tongue in cheek” humor that shows Danica may not take herself all that seriously.
“Danica’s alluring combination of striking good looks, gutsy driving talent, and the backing of one of the best race teams in the world has made her America’s newest racing sensation. She has also proved that a nice manicure doesn’t get in the way of being tough as nails on the track.” Bobby Rahal cautions one to beware of stereotypes. “Don’t be fooled by the pink nail polish. The exterior is nice and pretty-and underneath she’s as tough as steel. Danica has desire, good judgement, and composure under pressure. And she has that thing that only champions have, that chip on the shoulder that says, ‘You don’t think I can do it? Come out and take a shot at me.’”
“DANICA PATRICK: America’s Hottest Racer” tells the saga of a talented racer who seems to have balanced the talents of her two car owners…Bobby Rahal and David Letterman.
From Rahal she learned racing technique…7 Top Tens in 17 IRL races. She grabbed 3 Poles and led 63 laps. She was running at the finish of 12 races and survived 4 accidents. She did what a good rookie should…gain seat time, run laps, build experience.
From Letterman, she learned to diffuse tension with humor. When Robby Gordon whined about Danica’s weight being an advantage, she quipped with the Lettermanesque line, “They don’t lower the rims for shorter players in the NBA.” She handled the hype and its backlash…teammates who wore “Danica’s Teammate” t-shirts…and after her rookie mistake took out Tomas Enge at Indy…they auctioned off her wing from the incident and raised over $40,000 for charity. Don’t look for a “Sophomore Slump” from Danica as the IRL readies for 2006. Read the book and see for yourself if she’s “The Real Deal.” I give it a 3 lug nut rating.