NASCAR on TV this week

Danica Patrick Joining Ed Carpenter Racing for Final Indianapolis 500

As the only woman to lead laps in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, Danica Patrick has done a lot in her racing career.

But on Wednesday, she admitted to doing something new, saying, “I’ve never done that in my career.”

What was it?

Patrick accidentally revealed that her last race would be with Ed Carpenter Racing in May. During her press availability at the Daytona 500 media day, she was asked when she’ll shift her focus to her final IndyCar Series race.

Patrick said: “Actually, I didn’t have time to meet up with Ed and the people that — did I say that out loud? I’ve never done that in my career.”

She was annoyed with herself because she knew she wasn’t supposed to say anything until after Sunday’s Daytona race.

“I better shut up and leave before I get into more trouble,” she said. “Shoot.”

Patrick’s slip-up in front of the press quickly spread across social media. On Wednesday evening, Ed Carpenter Racing tweeted:

She’ll be in a third car for the Chevrolet-powered team. Spencer Pigot will drive the No. 21 full-time while Carpenter runs the No. 20.

Patrick last competed in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2011 while competing for Andretti Autosport.

In 2009, she finished third in the event, becoming the only woman to earn a podium in history.

Sunday’s Daytona 500 will be the last stock car race of her career. The upcoming Indy 500 will conclude the auto racing chapter of her life.

Sign up for the Frontstretch Newsletter

A daily email update (Monday through Friday) providing racing news, commentary, features, and information from Frontstretch.com
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.


1 Comment
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Tom B

Where is the hating trolls on this news. ECR is one of those teams that have a shot at winning the Indy 500. I see Danica’s replacement at SHR doesn’t do any better than she did. Big surprise!