NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has announced that she will not return to Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) next year and she may leave NASCAR completely.
This year is the sixth year that Danica has driven the #10 car for SHR, but she revealed yesterday (9/12) that she would not return after this season in the car.
NASCAR.com quotes a statement from Danica stating,
“It has been my honor to drive for Tony Stewart, Gene Haas and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing for the past six seasons,” Patrick said Tuesday in a statement posted through Facebook. “Together we earned a Daytona 500 pole, seven top-10 finishes and we also had some exciting racing along the way. My time driving for them, however, has come to an end due to a new sponsorship arrangement in 2018. Sponsorship plays a vital role in our sport, and I have been very fortunate over the course of my career, but this year threw us for a curve. Our amazing partners, such as Aspen Dental and Code 3, stepped up in a big way on short notice this year and I am incredibly grateful. I wish SHR the best of luck with their new sponsorship and driver. Thanks for the memories.”
As far as her future in NASCAR the statement says simply,
“Right now, my focus is on the remainder of the 2017 season and finishing the year strong. I have the utmost faith in myself and those around me, and feel confident about my future.”
Co-owner of Stewart-Hass Racing Tony Stewart said of Danica,
“I’ve always been a believer in Danica’s ability as a race car driver and that continues to be the case. She’s one of the most fearless people I’ve ever met. She has never backed down from a challenge. In fact, she’s sought out new challenges throughout her career, and that’s what brought her to NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing.”
While we know that Danica will not be behind the wheel of the #10 SHR Ford, no announcement has been made regarding what driver will drive the car in 2018.
By: Buck Stevens
