“It’s personality”: When Danica Patrick addressed subject of having more fans in NASCAR

Over six years ago, Danica Patrick opined on whether one can pitch someone to be a fan. When asked how she would gain the support of the fans of renowned NASCAR drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, and Tony Stewart, the former driver put forth several factors that a person might consider before admiring an entity.

Danica Patrick ventured into IndyCar racing in 2005, with her debut run at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. After winning the 2008 Indy Japan 300 and becoming the only female driver to win an IndyCar race, Patrick stepped into the ARCA Racing Series and then into NASCAR in 2010.

During her five years in the Xfinity Series and seven years in the Cup Series, Patrick secured achievements such as having the most top-10s by a female driver in the Cup Series at 7, surpassing previous record holder Janet Gutherie's record of 5. She is also the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver. With that, the Wisconsin native has garnered quite a large fanbase.

Meanwhile, legendary personalities like two-time Xfinity Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr., 4x Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, three-time Cup champ Tony Stewart, and 2007 Xfinity title holder Carl Edwards have been in the sport since the '90s and naturally, have a plethora of fans.

Thus, after Danica Patrick wrapped up her 2017 First Data 500 Cup Series run at the Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck asked her about the pitch to win the faith of the legendary drivers' fans. Patrick replied:

"Man, I don’t think you can pitch a fan. I think a fan is your fan because they decide to be and not because you’re offering free candies or a lifetime of happiness. I think you decide who you cheer for based on perhaps history, family, maybe who you used to cheer for — like if you cheered for Jeff Gordon, you may cheer for Chase Elliott now just based on the alliance with that number and team and history.

"But otherwise, it’s personality, and I can’t fake a fan. You really can’t. It will all come out eventually if you can for a little while. So I don’t think you can make a fan yours just by saying, “Be my fan” and telling them a good reason why," she added.

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Danica Patrick reveals the "most perfect" fan encounter situation

Danica Patrick (Image Source: Getty)

While conversing with Gluck, Danica Patrick answered questions like attracting a fanbase, managing affairs outside the racetrack, having dinner with Jay-Z and Beyonce, her music video shot in Monaco, and many more. Amid the talk, Gluck placed a hypothetical situation in front of Patrick and asked for her opinion.

"Let’s say a fan spots you eating dinner in a nice restaurant. Should they come over for an autograph or no?" Gluck asked

Patrick was comfortable with the scenario but also unveiled that if a fan just came and wished her luck for a race in the upcoming weekend, that would be a "wow" moment for her. Furthermore, Patrick revealed that she feels it takes guts for a fan to simply acknowledge a famous entity like her while also being polite.

Gluck further asked her if fans get extra respect for playing it cool while asking for autographs. Danica Patrick highlighted the hardest part a fan goes through to get an autograph:

"The bravery is just coming over. That’s the hardest part. And sometimes it’s almost easier to say, “Will you sign this?” because it’s a very simple request, but it’s harder to have to say something sometimes, I believe. So for me, that’s the most perfect kind of situation that you can have in public with a fan."

Patrick is currently an entrepreneur and a business owner. She also works for Sky Sports as an F1 presenter.