Danica to make NASCAR debut

Danica Patrick will make her NASCAR debut this Saturday at the Daytona International Speedway.

She was originally expected to debut at the Auto Club Speedway the week after, but JR motorsports will enter Patrick into the season-opener at Daytona after she put in an impressive performance in her ARCA stock-car debut, surviving a mid-race spin to finish sixth.

Patrick will drive the number 7 Chevrolet owned by JR Motorsports, and is guaranteed starting positions in the next three Nationwide Series races including Fontana and Las Vegas. This because the team acquired 15 points from the now defunct CJM Racing, who finished 15th last season but has since suspended operations.

"I think Danica proved to everyone that she can compete in stock cars at a high level, and right now seat time is extremely important," said JR Motorsports general manager Kelley Earnhardt. "She has worked extremely hard during the past two months for this opportunity. Her dedication and work ethic is infectious."