Danica Patrick claimed that she never voiced her political or religious beliefs while racing in IndyCar and NASCAR because of an “unspoken agreement” between drivers and teams.
Since hanging up the racing gloves in 2018, Patrick has rarely shied away from voicing her conservative viewpoints online. But according to the 43-year-old, she never would’ve waded into political discourse during her decorated motorsports career.
While addressing the return of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ after previously celebrating ABC’s suspension of the late-night show, Patrick wrote on Instagram: “Totally fine. An employer has a choice to hire and fire and run a business. I don’t think he is as funny as he used to be, but that little problem will take care of itself in time. He will either start making real jokes and not stupid distasteful emotional jabs or he won’t.
“When I raced I never talked about politics and religion, I understood the unspoken agreement to be PC. All that is ever at play, is money. And you better believe if it’s not flowing, something goes. Clock is ticking again.”
Patrick first burst onto the national scene while racing in IndyCar from 2005 to 2011, during which she was named the circuit’s most popular driver in six separate seasons. In 2008, the Beloit, Wisconsin native further etched her name in the history books by becoming the first woman to win a race at the Indy Japan 300.
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Four years later, Patrick took her talents to the Cup Series, where she competed from 2012 to 2018. Over 191 starts, the 43-year-old amassed seven top-10 finishes but never managed to coast down victory lane.
In a candid Instagram post from last January, Patrick admitted that she never had much interest in discussing politics while still behind the wheel of a racecar. Post-retirement, however, the ex-driver became engrossed in local and state government affairs after attending Turning Point USA’s AMFest, where she met political commentator Tucker Carlson.
“And just like that…. I’m into politics,” she began. “I have steered clear of it because as an athlete and having sponsors, it was never my place or interest to be honest. But after talking to Tucker today it became more clear why I am interested.
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“People should be able to live their lives however they want to in my opinion, as long as it’s not hurting anyone else. However, that’s the problem now. Whether it’s our food, skies, schools, free speech, media, or privacy… it is affecting my world and just about everyone else’s on a daily basis.
“I want to learn more about what causes the issues we face and ask how we can solve them. The only side I am taking is truth. What do you guys want to know more about?! It’s time to get interviewing!”