The Danica Patrick saga is fast turning into a teenage drama; we're one dance number short of "High School Musical." With the Big Man on Campus (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) and the mysterious, hyperconfident rebel (Tony Stewart) already in the mix, now we've got a new player -- the Class Clown.

Michael Waltrip has indicated that, along with the rest of the civilized world, he too has met with Danica and given her a tour of his facilities. He's said he's willing to put her into some Nationwide and Truck Series races, which is sort of like saying you'd be willing to accept a dumptruck-load of money if it was backed up to your door.

"We've certainly talked to her and are interested in what she's going to do," Waltrip told ESPN.com. "We have sort of done that without a whole lot of people knowing. She knows we're interested when she knows what she's going to do."

The main pursuer for Patrick appears to be JR Motorsports, the venture co-owned by Earnhardt and Rick Hendrick. JR has an existing relationship with GoDaddy.com, one of Danica's primary sponsors, and there could be a seat available in the 88 car in the Nationwide series. Tony Stewart has also been mentioned as a mentor to Danica should she decide to make the jump to NASCAR.

Whatever happens, there are plenty of people who I'd imagine are starting to get a little bit impatient with Ms. Patrick. She's been reported to be on the verge of signing a new contract with Andretti Green Racing for weeks now, but nothing has been officially announced. Again.

Seriously, we need an upbeat musical number fast. This production is really starting to drag.