The promise that Danica Patrick had shown in two excellent practices on Saturday evaporated in the first corner of Sunday’s race.
Patrick lost control of her No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in Turn 1 of the opening lap, slammed the wall and fell out of the race in last place (43rd), her worst finish to date in the Sprint Cup Series.
“Either I drove in too hard, or the air is just that challenging, or we were a little loose,” Patrick said after exiting the infield care center. “I don’t know. I didn’t even have my front bead blowers on yet, just trying to build heat in the front tires.
“It’s just a shame, because we were having a better weekend. (Saturday) was a pretty good day for us. We felt really confident today that we were going to be able to have a good day. My pit road crew is so good I knew that was going to be something to look forward to.
“I’m really sorry. I’m really bummed. I just was looking forward to having a good day and it’s over within a matter of feet.”
- NASCAR Weekend Preview: Kansas Speedway - May 3, 2024
- Chasing his first title, Denny Hamlin is off to a fast 2024 - April 30, 2024
- Denny Hamlin grabs third Cup win of the season at Dover - April 29, 2024