ESPN

Danica Patrick

  (10:20 AM)

Thanks for coming on to chat! I'm excited to answer your questions!

fran (alabama)

how can you improve on your season last year?

Danica Patrick

  (10:21 AM)

I can not spin in pit lane. That would help. And I think that is still the most important area that I can improve on. That's the big area that I can improve on. The in and out of the pits.

Vance (Philadelphia)

what are your thoughts on Indy drivers moving over to NASCAR?

Danica Patrick

  (10:22 AM)

I say that NASCAR is the big monster machine. There are a lot of things that are attractive about it. But at this point in time, I still love IndyCar. You just have to follow your heart.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Danica, What is your fav. track to race at?

Danica Patrick

  (10:22 AM)

Indy's always the best, because of the history, the fans, the attention, the size of the crowd. The racing is quite calculated there. You have to plan.

James (Chicago)

will we ever see you driving NASCAR?

Danica Patrick

  (10:23 AM)

I'm very happy driving in IndyCar right now. But you never know what kind of opportunities might present themselves down the road.

Gayle (CT)

Do you like driving under the lights? How do you like starting the season with a night race?

Danica Patrick

  (10:24 AM)

I think driving under the lights is great for the fans that are in stands in particular. Our cars look fast, they look shining. It's night time. It's party time. For the first race, I don't think it really matters.

Vicki (New Jersey)

how excited are you to start the season in Miami?

Danica Patrick

  (10:24 AM)

I'm really excited just to start the season in general. I'm felling comfortable and confident as a driver. I'm really optimistic about the year.

Marty (Chesterfield, MI)

How do you think open wheel racing will change now that the leagues have merged?

Danica Patrick

  (10:25 AM)

There will be more cars, more passing. The racing will be more like Indy, every weekend, as far as competitiveness.

Ken (Trenton, NJ)

What do you think it will be like to have the bigger racing fields for more of the races?

Danica Patrick

  (10:26 AM)

It will be great for fans watching. Passing is always what people want to see. There will be a vast majority of speeds to provide that.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ms. Patrick: Do you feel the attention placed on you has hurt or helped your career?

Danica Patrick

  (10:26 AM)

I definitely think it's helped. It's opened up a lot of doors. I'm still the same driver if I've had the attention or not. It's just that people are watching now.

Charlie (Milwaukee)

how important do you think the merger of the open wheel racing leagues was?

Danica Patrick

  (10:27 AM)

I think it's great for open wheel racing. There has been a lot of confusion for a number of years. It's not going to be a magic bullet, but it will bring drivers and attention to the series.

Sam (Boston)

How do you like the track at Miami? Is it one of your favorites?

Danica Patrick

  (10:28 AM)

Homestead is a tough track. I'm trying to not think about the fact that I don't believe I've finished any of the races there. But I've always been fast in the race and in contention.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

How much physical endurance does it take to drive Incy Cars?

Danica Patrick

  (10:29 AM)

It's like jogging for two hours while having an intense focuse on something. Every rock you see on the ground is important. So, a lot of physical ability.

Scott (Mobile, AL)

What are your expectations for the upcoming season? What would make this season a success in your mind?

Danica Patrick

  (10:30 AM)

I want to win some races. It's about time. I know I can. I hope that I have a lucky season and that things go my way.

Neal (Philly)

Danica, the important question is, what are you having for lunch?

Danica Patrick

  (10:30 AM)

Whatever the ESPN cafeteria is serving.

Mike (Charlotte)

What is your typical morning like before a race?

Danica Patrick

  (10:31 AM)

Shower, breakfast, two cups of coffee.

Kerry (Portland, ME)

How do you feel you've progressed as a driver through the first few seasons of your career?

Danica Patrick

  (10:32 AM)

I feel like I've grown a lot as a driver. Pushing myself in my weak areas. While staying very driven the whole time and getting more confident as well.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

Thus far in your career, what has been your biggest accomplishment?

Danica Patrick

  (10:32 AM)

I think that my biggest accomplishments are probably not noticed by the fans on a race weekend. But the Indy 500 in 2005 drew in the most attention.

Scott (Mobile, AL)

Do you feel a lot of pressure to get your first win?

Danica Patrick

  (10:33 AM)

Pressure that I put on myself. Expectations that I have on myself. I can't be worried about what the public thinks, because I can't control it.

Mike(Charlotte)

Hi Danica, How great is it to have a legend like Michael Andretti as your team owner? Is it very easy to go up to him for advice?

Danica Patrick

  (10:34 AM)

Mike is very approachable and wants to help and will come up to you to help. He's a great guy. But when you step back and look at Michael, Mario you can think to yourself. It's a pretty cool opportunity.

Cal (St. Paul, MN)

How did you get your start in racing?

Danica Patrick

  (10:35 AM)

My dad used to race snowmobile midgets in motorcross. We were looking to do something as a family. Go-karting was the answer.

Pat McGroin (Cincy)

How would you compare your personality on the track versus off the track?

Danica Patrick

  (10:36 AM)

On track, I'm extra serious and focused. I don't look happy. And to be honest, until the weekend's over, I'm not. At home, I'm still competitive, but can relax a little. It's very humbling when you're picking up your dog's poop and throwing it away.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

How do you believe you, as a female driver, have affected auto racing?

Danica Patrick

  (10:38 AM)

I hope I have put faith in owners, mechanics and everybody involved and everybody in racing that women can compete at any level and win. I'm not the first, but hopefully, my performances are helping.

Juan ( Baltimore,MD)

How could you compare a street race vs a road race?

Danica Patrick

  (10:39 AM)

A road race lends to the most smooth and technical drivers and street races are a little bit more guts. More bravery and car control. Both very difficult.

Wendell (Liverpool, UK)

How do you improve on a part of your driving - do you have any secrets?

Danica Patrick

  (10:40 AM)

To improve, you have to focus on it and face your fears. A lot of times when you're not good at something it's because your afraid. My secret is I wash my face at night and wear lotion.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

How do you handle your critisisms?

Danica Patrick

  (10:41 AM)

I think you need to listen to some degree, only to see consistencies. If a lot of people think something, then look within. But for the most part, it's people writing or speaking and receiving attention for it. The media is overall more negative in this country.

Jeff (Iowa)

Danica, I bet Dan Wheldon wears lotion, too.

Danica Patrick

  (10:42 AM)

Not sure. I do know he has an extensive of Aveda products. You can ask him.

Baldy (Allentown, Pa)

Would you ever consider F-1?

Danica Patrick

  (10:43 AM)

After living in England then traveling to Europe. I appreciate America. Its weather. The food. Especially breakfast. If you've traveled, you know what I mean.

Bryan (VA)

Do you enjoy racing in Richmond?

Danica Patrick

  (10:43 AM)

I love all short ovals. I think they're the most fun races we do. And a lot happens in them. So, yes.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

Would you consider being an aynalyst after your career?

Danica Patrick

  (10:44 AM)

If it's about something in the fashion world. I have a hard time analysing or criticising things that I don't know a lot about or aren't an authority in. But who knows.

joe (birmingham michigan)

danica do you watch march madness who are you rooting for

Danica Patrick

  (10:45 AM)

I'm married. Of course, I watch March Madness.

Joe (Indianapolis)

You aren't going to win the Indy 500, are you?

Danica Patrick

  (10:45 AM)

Do you have a crystal ball?

Bill, Detroit, MI

What's the best part of the Indy 500? (being in the same spot for a month, the tradition)

Danica Patrick

  (10:46 AM)

The feeling of accomplishment when you have performed well. Because you work so damn hard to get to that point.

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

How do you drive off the track?

Danica Patrick

  (10:47 AM)

I am crazy. That's what everyone says.

Jamin (Indy)

What is more important...getting a victory at Indy, or just consistent success without any victories?

Danica Patrick

  (10:47 AM)

V for Victory.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

Whom has served as an inspiration to you in your career?

Danica Patrick

  (10:48 AM)

My parents have been my biggest inspiration my whole life. And I've had some teachers along the way that have helped too. Like Bobby Rahal, Michael Andretti, Lyn St. James.

Kim, Hattiesburg, MS

Of course, other than being supportive to you, how involved with your career is your family, and is there anything that they are helpful to you with?

Danica Patrick

  (10:49 AM)

They work with me. My dad's my manager. My mom's my assistant. I couldn't do it without them.

Larry (Omaha)

Danica, what kind of response did you get from your fellow drivers to your pictures in the SI swimsuit issue?

Danica Patrick

  (10:51 AM)

Tony Kanaan was glad I gave him props for looking good in a swim suit. Dan Wheldon might not be so happy.

Dallas (Dallas,Tx)

What is your favorite sport to watch besides racing?

Danica Patrick

  (10:51 AM)

Football. The other sports are too long of seasons to get involved with too early.

Jeff (Iowa)

Danica, how goofy is David Letterman in person?

Danica Patrick

  (10:52 AM)

He's actually very nice and thoughtful and normal.

Robert (Raleigh NC)

Could you beat Ricky Bobby? And if you tied, would that make 11?

Danica Patrick

  (10:52 AM)

Ricky Bobby is mentally weak.

Danica Patrick

  (10:52 AM)

Ricky Bobby is mentally weak.

Danica Patrick

  (10:53 AM)

I think I could have a field day with that.

John, Michigan

What do you do before a race to get ready? How do you relax to race 500 miles? How does this change for a noon race compared to a night race? Any special meals that you eat prior and after races?

Danica Patrick

  (10:53 AM)

Play Enya and meditate. Just kidding. I just add a cup of coffee to my normal schedule. Seriously.

Danica Patrick

  (10:54 AM)

I also wake up a little earlier, so I have more time to feel like I'm doing nothing. Seriously.

Hoof Hearted (KY)

Do you see an increase in the number of young female racers over the past few years?

Danica Patrick

  (10:55 AM)

Absolutely. Go kart tracks have more girls. Last year, the Indy 500 had the most girls ever. There's a woman running for president. So, I think we're seeing a trend.

Danica Patrick

  (10:55 AM)

Thanks for all your great questions. I hope you enjoy your upcoming season. Hopefully I do too.