Danica Patrick is no stranger to challenges. From her career in IndyCar to NASCAR, the Wisconsin native has taken on some of the toughest competitors from the world of motorsports without backing down. In a competition dominated by men, the racer has proven to be a trailblazer. She was the first woman to clinch the Daytona 500 pole and also win an IndyCar Series race, the Indy Japan 300. However, she could never have her watershed moment by winning a NASCAR race, and Patrick left the sport in 2017.
Despite her struggles, the 42-year-old isn’t shying away from naming some legendary figures, whom she would love to go head-to-head with. From NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. to Formula 1 icon Ayrton Senna, Patrick’s choices indicate she has a deep appreciation for the all-time greats. However, amongst the list includes an unexpected name, one that highlights her spiritual side, that tends to remain outside the public eye.
Danica Patrick reveals the spiritual side of her personality
Danica Patrick is not afraid of making bold choices. If given the chance to compete against anyone in history, the Wisconsin native’s choices would span generations. It’ll include some of the greatest names across different eras and even a variety of motorsports disciplines. When asked who should would like to race against, the veteran racer didn’t hesitate to name those who have made a deep impact on the sport. She started with one of Formula 1’s most celebrated drivers, going on to say, “I’d probably want to see how I stacked up against Ayrton Senna.”
The three-time Formula 1 champion was a formidable racer in his day, known for his aggressive driving style and immense talent. Pitting herself against the very best is what Danica Patrick was aiming for, which may go on to explain her reason for choosing seven-time Cup Series Champion, ‘The Intimidator’ by saying, “Maybe get out there and door bang with Dale Earnhardt Sr.” However, the most surprising inclusion to her list wasn’t a racing icon, as the 42-year-old revealed her ultimate racing partner by saying, “I think I’ll put Jesus in my car.”
While that might seem like an unconventional choice to some, Patrick explained the reasoning behind her decision by saying, “In all of my spiritual practices and religious experiences, I’ve been connecting with the energy of Jesus. It always just felt like a homie, like your best friend, just super cool and on your level. But it’s just all love.” For the veteran racer, competing alongside such a revered figure added a new element to the physical act of racing, turning her ‘dream race’ into something more than just securing a victory.
Patrick’s affinity for spirituality is something she developed over many years. In a podcast with Chef Serena Poon in 2021, Patrick confessed how her life changed just a decade ago. “I had very deeply spiritual… awakening happen,” Patrick said. “I’ve been getting more and more into spirituality. It was probably around 2015-ish… I think spirituality is just stuff that science hasn’t proven yet.”
She also frequently invited guests on her ‘Pretty Intense’ podcast to discuss topics such as spirituality and religion and doesn’t shy away from making her and others’ voices heard. In 2024, she spoke to spiritual guide Kimberly Snyder on her podcast after the latter wrote a book, The Hidden Power of The Five Hearts, which is a modern interpretation of ancient Vedic science. Clearly, Patrick has done her research and spoken to a lot of people, which makes her choice of picking Jesus more understandable.
However, Senna and Dale Earnhardt Sr. are more logical choices. Both drivers are widely considered the very best in their motorsports disciplines and could prove to be a tough challenge for Danica Patrick if the hypothetical race does materialize. Both racers instill fear in their opponents, and their relentless but aggressive style makes them a force to be reckoned with, even though cars are much more technologically advanced now. As for Jesus Christ’s inclusion, it seems like the racer just felt the need to have a supportive and powerful presence in the car to guide her through tough challenges, as she understands the power and importance of the same.
Patrick opens up about switching from IndyCar to NASCAR
Danica Patrick’s decision was a controversial one. Having made a name for herself in open-wheel racing in the IndyCar Series, the Wisconsin native surprised the motorsports community by switching to NASCAR in 2011 on a full-time basis. Her first appearance in the stock car racing series came a year prior in 2010, where she took part in the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway, and from that point on, there was no looking back.
After a year in the Nationwide Series, she switched to the Monster Energy Cup Series in 2012 with Stewart-Haas Racing. Reflecting on her decision, Patrick told ESPN, “To be able to go out on the track and stake your place excites me. The crazy thing is that I didn’t even drive a stock car until I’d already signed a two-year deal to run a partial Nationwide schedule. I had friends in NASCAR who knew my driving style and thought I’d fit in there. So I took a huge leap of faith.”
While she failed to secure a victory in her five full seasons at the highest level, Danica Patrick can take pride in the fact that she didn’t resort to dirty tactics to gain an advantage on the track. Recalling her stint in the No. 10 car, the veteran said, “I race everyone fair.” Widely considered to be the most successful female driver in American motorsports, her decision to live life in the fast lane helped the likes of Hailie Deegan and Toni Breidinger break into the sport as well. She is a true trailblazer in women’s motorsports.
The post ‘Spiritual’ Danica Patrick Uncovers Unlikely Participant as She Namedrops Dale Earnhardt & Ayrton Senna Dream appeared first on EssentiallySports.
