JOLIET, Ill. -- Danica Patrick blamed her spotter for causing the accident that ensnared boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.
2014 MyAFibStory.com 400: Danica Patrick wrecked boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Danica Patrick had an on-track run-in with boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Jerry Markland
The couple was racing for position when Patrick appeared to move up the track and into Stenhouse’s No. 17 car, pushing him into the frontstretch wall 10 laps from the finish. Both drivers sustained damage, but were able to continue. Stenhouse finished 17th, Patrick 19th.
Patrick did not speak publicly, but released a statement shortly after the conclusion of the MyAFibStory.com 400.
“I heard my spotter (Brandon Benesch) say that the 14 (Tony Stewart) was below me on track, and I didn’t know the 17 was there on the high side of the track,” Patrick said. “My spotter took the blame on that one. I just didn’t know Ricky was up there, and I obviously don’t want to hit his car or anyone else with 10 laps to go. I talked with Ricky afterward, and we’re fine. It’s just a tough deal. We finished 19th even with the damage, so it was a decent run.”
Sunday marks the third incident between the two since Patrick and Stenhouse announced they were dating in January 2013.
Stenhouse triggered a multi-car wreck which collected Patrick last year in the May race at Charlotte. Patrick admitted later it took some time before they could discuss the events. That July, Patrick started a crash at New Hampshire that swept up Stenhouse in the aftermath.
Neither driver qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup, which began Sunday.
See More:
