Patrick open to all possibilities right now
Danica Patrick said Tuesday she will not announce a decision on her future plans until after the IndyCar Series season ends. The final IndyCar race for 2009 is Oct. 10 in Homestead, Fla.
"I hope to have a good Christmas and know what I'm doing next year," Patrick said. "That's the worst-case scenario. The best-case scenario is I want to do well this year and I don't want to do anything that could take away from that happening. To say anything before [the season ends] would be foolish."
Patrick spoke to reporters on a conference call Tuesday. Her future plans have become a major topic of conversation because her contract with Andretti Green Racing expires at the end of this season.
Many people have speculated that she might make the move to NASCAR. Patrick says she's open to all possibilities at this point.
"NASCAR has so many viewers and so many partners," Patrick said. "There are lots of options [for drivers] inside and outside the car. And it looks like fun. Oval racing always is fun. It's kind of like the Indy 500 event weekend."
Patrick finished third in the 2009 Indy 500, the best finish for any woman in the history of the event. She became the first women to win a major open-wheel event with her victory in Japan last season.
Patrick ranks fifth in the 2009 season standings with five consecutive finishes in the top 6. She has hired the sports marketing firm IMG to negotiate her next contract.
"They tell me all I have to do it go out and perform and they will take care of the rest," Patrick said. "That's what I'm going to do."
IMG president George Pyne is the former chief operating officer of NASCAR. Patrick was asked if Pyne is pushing her toward NASCAR.
"I've spoken to him, but I don't think anyone is trying to push me in any direction," Patrick said. "They just want to know what I'm looking for and what my goals are.
"I just want to know what my options are and who's really serious. That's where we're at. We're just collecting information at this point. Hopefully we can keep our heads down and figure it out and make a good decision."
So what are Patrick's goals?
"The most important thing is to put myself in a situation where I can win as many races as possible and run up front and be competitive," she said. "There's also the brand side. Just being able to make the most or it as an athlete and endorser of products by gaining exposure, and in due time, exploring things outside of racing."
Patrick spent the morning doing yoga. She was asked if that helps her deal with the stress of a contract year.
"Yeah, the main thing about yoga is to breathe," she said. "That's what I always try to do. Just breathe."
Terry Blount covers motorsports for ESPN.com.
