A rare slip of the tongue by Danica Patrick confirmed that she will join Ed Carpenter Racing when she competes in the Indianapolis 500, her final race before she retires.
Danica Patrick slips up, accidentally reveals Indianapolis 500 plans
Patrick indicated she will be driving for Ed Carpenter Racing at the Indianapolis 500 in May.
Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Patrick inadvertently revealed the news while fielding questions during Daytona 500 media day Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the final NASCAR race of her career. It was while being asked when she will start preparing for the Indianapolis 500 that she disclosed the news about aligning with Ed Carpenter Racing.
”I didn’t have time to meet up with Ed and the people that ...” Patrick said before catching herself. She then asked the media surrounding her if she had really just mentioned Ed by name.
”Oh, (expletive), did I just say that out loud?” said Patrick before uttering another curse word under her breath. ”I’ve never done that in my career.”
After answering a few more questions, an agitated Patrick ended the interview session by saying, “I better shut up and leave. I’m going to be in trouble.”
Patrick announced in November she was retiring from racing full-time and that she would conclude her career by entering the Daytona 500 and then the Indianapolis 500 in May. Those two signature events are where she produced some of the most memorable moments of her career, recording the best result by a female driver in both races. She finished third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 and eighth in the 2013 Daytona 500.
Patrick joining Ed Carpenter Racing is not surprise, with industry speculation having linked the two parties since last month. No other details regarding the partnership have yet been announced.
When Patrick announced she would return and enter the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 2011, she said wanted to join a competitive team. Ed Carpenter Racing certainly fits that bill, as the team perennially fields some of the fastest cars and is in contention to win.
Ed Carpenter Racing enters two full-time cars in the IndyCar Series and will field a third entry for Patrick in the Indianapolis 500. The race is May 27.
