To hear the hype surrounding Danica Patrick, you would think she's favored to win every stock car race this year. That statement couldn't be further from the truth.
What is also little known, is the fact that Patrick has stiff competition for the title of fastest female driver on the planet. That title could just as easily go to Alli Owens or Milka Duno.
The fact of the matter is, Danica Patrick is getting this hype and media coverage as much for her brand potential and image, as she is her driving abilities. Patrick who has appeared in seductive pictures in mens magazines including FHM and Maxim, as well as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit addition, never shies away from the spotlight.
When talking about NASCARs biggest races, however, the question begs, is Danica Patrick a legitimate driver?
I would love to hear the honest opinion of fellow JR Motorsports racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Actually, when Earnhardt was asked if he had to win to be considered the central figure of NASCAR, he responded "Apparently not," in response to the attention Danica Patrick is receiving at Daytona.
Patrick has sexualized and flaunted herself for the sake of self promotion and to build her "brand" instead of using talent and winning.
It is great that women are breaking into the sport of racing, but by making the image sexual and using her appearance instead of her driving ability, it diminishes any success she might have.
Danica Patrick obviously wants to be a quality racecar driver because she loves racing, however, she should be proving herself like every other NASCAR racer is forced to do: on the track, with their clothes on.
Let the games begin.
Follow Instant Replay on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment