Report: Danica Patrick to run Daytona

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The news conference that tentatively was scheduled for Wednesday to announce the move of IndyCar Series star Danica Patrick to NASCAR full-time in 2012 was postponed.

GoDaddy.com, which is planning the official announcement in Phoenix, will hold the news conference at noon ET Thursday. Sources told ESPN.com it was postponed because of delays in dealing with multiple parties involved in the process.

The Charlotte Observer reported Patrick will debut in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series in the Daytona 500.

According to sources, Patrick will drive a full-time Nationwide Series schedule in 2012 for JR Motorsports, for whom she drove part-time this season and last.

She also will drive a part-time Sprint Cup schedule for Stewart-Haas Racing, with an eye on a full-time Cup ride there in 2013. The Charlotte Observer reported Patrick will run 10 Sprint Cup races in 2012.

Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood told ESPN.com that he is optimistic Patrick will make her Cup debut at the 2012 Daytona 500.

Sources said Patrick also is working on a deal that will allow her to drive in the Indianapolis 500, but that will not be addressed at the news conference.

David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com

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• NASCAR writer for ESPN.com
• NFL, college football writer for 20 years
• National award winner in motorsports coverage