2014 Driver Reviews: No. 28 Danica Patrick
After doing exit interviews for Sprint Cup Series drivers in 2013, we're turning the tables. We want the drivers to sell themselves. So here are the resumés for all full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers in 2014. Then, at the end, we'll provide a summation of the driver's season in 150 words or less.
Name: Danica Patrick
NASCAR Experience: Two full seasons in the Sprint Cup Series, a full season in the Nationwide Series and an IndyCar Series win.
Most recent team: Stewart-Haas Racing
Most recent season finish: 28th
2014 accomplishments: Scored three top 10 finishes, including two at 1.5-mile tracks. The third was at Daytona in the summer. Highest-finishing driver in the standings that didn't have a top-five finish. Qualified in the top 10 in three consecutive races in May.
Most memorable moment: In the midst of that three-race top-10 qualifying streak was a seventh-place finish at Kansas, the first top-10 of the season. Was one of the best cars all evening and raced with teammates and other Hendrick cars throughout the night.
Strengths: Sponsor exposure and ubiquity. Even though the finishes may not be there to show it, restrictor plate racing has become an asset.
2015 goals: No longer is a top-10 good enough. Rather, a top-five or two needs to happen. And, in the right circumstances, a win shouldn't be out of the question either.
FTM's Take: Depending on the week, Patrick looked like she was either improving or had absolutely no chance. Look, we all know that Patrick hasn't shown that she should be competing for top-10 finishes on a weekly basis. But the alternating battle of keeping up with the rest of the Stewart-Haas gang and being three laps down needs to even out considerably. And preferably for Patrick, it's on the higer side of that roller coaster.
Previous reviews: No. 29, Justin Allgaier, No. 30, David Gilliland, No. 31 Cole Whitt, No. 32 David Ragan, No. 33 Michael Annett, No. 34 Reed Sorenson, No. 35 Alex Bowman
- - - - - - -
Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
