[Don]

After all the analysis/opinions on skill, physical/mental conditioning, IRL vs NASCAR racing, etc., etc., this first year for Danica will be a limited part time rookie season, yellow stripe on the bumper, with no testing on tracks where races are held. There needs to be reasonable expectations:

* Minimum, qualify for all the races entered, if no car/owner points
* No driver errors taking out another driver
* Finish the race, even if last
* Get a top 25/20 finish
* Maybe a top 15/10 finish

Will be an interesting topic to re-visit in Nov 2010. It took Montoya with multiple F1 wins 3 full time seasons to be a serious contender.

Consideration for the skill level in IRL vs NASCAR, running just a few feet apart, touching wheels at 220 + mph in IRL usually results in one or more vehicles exiting the race vs banging fenders in NASCAR , intentional or driver error, and probably just losing track position. Other than replacing the front wing and/or nose as a complete assembly, IRL cars do not return to the race.

Below was lifted from an internet inquiry.......i.e., must be 100% correct , since it was found on the internet ( smile ).

" For most women, summer approaching is the ultimate sign that something must be done to work on the body to look great in a swimsuit. As the days are getting longer, so are we women starting to focus more on what and when we eat, as well as on how hard we work out and which areas need more attention. For professional race driver Danica Patrick though, working out and eating healthy have a double purpose, as she reveals in the latest issue of Shape magazine. "

" For starters, Danica has to keep fit to look good on the beach, just like any other woman out there. She is aware that her occasional modeling gigs (including those for Sports Illustrated and Playboy) have brought her in the spotlight as far as gentlemen are concerned, but she also wants to look her best in her swimsuit. Then, there’s the issue of having enough strength to control her car during the four-hour races she takes part in – and this is where it gets tricky and Patrick has to work out really hard.

According to the star, her exercise routine is not something regular women could keep up with if not aiming for a similar goal as hers. She works out almost every day for several hours, focusing on increasing her strength and building muscle, essential to handle her 1,500-pound vehicle. For better results and to avoid routine, Danica Patrick has her personal trainer change her training every six months – this way, she knows for certain she will never become bored with working out.

“I have to work harder than those bigger guys to control my car.” Danica says for Shape. To illustrate, from April to September, meaning during race season, the star runs for an hour every day, then hits the gym to do upper body exercises meant to strengthen her shoulders, forearms, and back. However, she always keeps in mind that, no matter how hard she works, even she needs a break every now and then. “I skip days here and there and don’t beat myself up for it. My husband always reminds me to let my body rest.” Patrick explains.

As for her diet, the race driver is again focused on her health. She knows she needs foods to fuel her vigorous workouts, which is why she has adopted a high-protein diet with complex carbs. Keeping her weight constant while also having enough energy for exercise is essential to her, as she herself admits, but she has found a way to do so by cooking her own meals. “I worry about the scale like anyone else, but I have to make it through five-hour races. It’s a constant battle for me. […] I get hungry every three hours, so I also like to munch on an apple or whole-wheat toast with peanut butter. I like my food to be tasty.”