Danica Patrick has always been a big name in motorsports. From making history as the first woman to win an IndyCar race to breaking into NASCAR’s top level, she’s never been far from the spotlight. But along with her fame came plenty of criticism—one of the harshest coming from former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, who dismissed her as nothing more than a “marketing machine.”
His comments sparked a heated debate in the NASCAR world. While some agreed, others—most notably Dale Earnhardt Jr.—strongly pushed back against the harmful narrative.
Kyle Petty’s Harsh Words for Danica Patrick
Petty, the son of NASCAR legend Richard Petty, didn’t hold back when talking about Patrick. In 2013, he made his stance clear.
“She’s not a race car driver. She can go fast, but she can’t race. I think she’s come a long way, but she’s still not a race car driver. And I don’t think she’s ever going to be a race car driver.”
He argued that Patrick received opportunities that other drivers didn’t simply because of her star power.
By that time, Patrick had already achieved some impressive milestones. She was the first woman to win an IndyCar race and had made history as the first female driver to secure the Daytona 500 pole position. But for Petty, those moments weren’t enough to convince him of her driving ability.
Danica Patrick’s Response and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Defense
Patrick didn’t seem too bothered by Petty’s remarks. Instead of firing back, she laughed it off and said, “I really don’t care,” making it clear that his opinion didn’t affect her.
But Earnhardt, who had been her team owner at JR Motorsports, wasn’t about to let the criticism slide. He defended Patrick, calling her a tough competitor who had put together some strong races and outrun many drivers on the circuit.
“I have to disagree with Kyle,” Earnhardt Jr. said at the time. “She’s out there running competitively and running strong on several accounts. I think that she has a good opportunity and a rightful position in the sport to keep competing — and she just might surprise even Kyle Petty.”
He acknowledged the challenges Patrick faced in NASCAR but believed she had earned her place in the sport. His support carried weight, given his legendary status in the racing world.
Danica Patrick remains one of the most debated figures in NASCAR history. Some argue she didn’t achieve enough on the track, while others respect her for breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Regardless of where people stand, one thing is clear—she made an impact that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.