The news reports are starting to steam up the wires as the story surrounding Indy racing's "It Girl" Danica Patrick and her possible NASCAR future becomes more public. It appears that Danica is going to follow in the footsteps of another Indy racing great and now NASCAR legend ( and current 2009 Sprint Cup Points leader ) Tony Stewart. Tony paved his path to NASCAR fame by taking a very slow and methodical approach to entering the sport that has humbled so many of Indy racing's "Top Stars". Danica was smart to turn to Tony early as her interest in the sport of NASCAR grew into more than a "what if" scenario. It now appears that Danica is going to follow a similar path to NASCAR fame. With a Possibility of beginning her NASCAR career in the 2010 season. Danica may be set to race in "select" NASCAR Nationwide & Camping World Truck series events all while maintaining her Indy racing contract for the whole 17 race Indy schedule.

NASCAR is widely known to be the toughest racing series on the planet. Many former Indy 500 and Indy series champions have attempted to make a name for themselves in the series. However, very few open wheeled drivers actually find success. A.J, Foyt, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, & Juan Pablo Montoya have been the best of the open wheel drivers. Other open wheel champions such as Dario Franchitti, Patrick Carpentier, Sam Hornish Jr., and others have found the road to NASCAR fame to be filled with wreck after wreck, and sub-par finish after sub-par finish. Many of the open Wheel drivers simply give up their stock car dreams and return to open wheel racing.

One other thing Danica will have to adjust to, is NASCAR's overwhelming popularity and massive fan base that will be setting their sights on meeting the new girl in town. In NASCAR, fans don't just want to shake a driver's hand and wish them luck. No, each fan that Danica comes into contact with will want an autograph or two. Even though Danica is already known as a fantastic signer, she will have to be ready to sign for more fans than she has ever imagined. That is as much of the NASCAR legacy as anything.