Danica Patrick, a groundbreaking figure in NASCAR, has recently stirred attention by speaking out against Vice President Kamala Harris. Her latest criticism centers on Harris’ remarks concerning U.S. military personnel and their deployment in active combat zones. Patrick did not hold back, labeling the Vice President’s statement as dishonest.
This isn’t the first time Patrick has voiced her concerns about Harris. The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver had previously criticized Harris over her stance on the gun buyback program, accusing her of “flip-flopping.” In that instance, Patrick didn’t mince words, calling it another lie by Harris, who is seen as a potential Democratic nominee for the 2024 U.S. presidential elections.
In her latest move, the 42-year-old Patrick took to Instagram, where she boasts a following of over 961,000, to post a video targeting Harris. In the video, she focused on Harris’ statements about the U.S. military pullout from Afghanistan, once again accusing her of spreading “more lies.” Patrick encouraged her followers to watch the entire video, which she reposted on her account, sparking further discussions.
Despite stepping away from full-time racing in 2017, Patrick has maintained a connection with the motorsports world. She now works as part of Sky Sports F1’s broadcasting team and also serves as a studio analyst for NBC Sports. Beyond her racing career, Patrick has established herself as a successful entrepreneur. She owns a Californian wine label called Somnium and has ventured into other businesses such as the athleisure brand Warrior by Danica Patrick and the luxury home scent collection Voyant.
Patrick’s post-racing life shows her ability to transition into new ventures, but her outspokenness on social issues keeps her in the public eye. Her comments on Harris, in particular, highlight her willingness to engage in political discourse, which resonates with a large segment of her fan base.
Her journey from racecar driver to media figure and entrepreneur isn’t just a tale of success; it’s a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Throughout her career, Patrick has often spoken out about how she wants to be remembered. Back in 2016, during an interview, she reflected on her time in the racing world, especially as a woman in a predominantly male sport. She made history by becoming the only female driver to win a race in the IndyCar Series and the first to take pole position in the Daytona 500.
In that 2016 interview, Patrick shared her thoughts on how she’d like her legacy to be seen, regardless of her gender. She expressed a desire to be recognized primarily as a skilled racecar driver, not just a female one. “I hope I am remembered as a great racecar driver. I don’t mind if they obviously remember me as a female racecar driver… But I hope people first remember me as a great driver with great accomplishments and then ‘oh yeah, she’s a girl, that’s pretty awesome,’” Patrick said.
Patrick also touched on the experience of working in a male-dominated field, saying it had become second nature to her after spending over two decades racing and working with men in the pits and garages. She revealed that while she appreciated her “girl time” away from the track, her life in motorsports had normalized her interactions with male colleagues to the point where it felt completely natural.
Her NASCAR career, which spanned seven years, was notable, even if she didn’t achieve the level of success some might have expected. Competing in 191 races, Patrick secured seven top-10 finishes, with her best result being sixth place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2014. She drove the #10 Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, making a mark not only for her talent but also for breaking barriers for women in the sport.
Danica Patrick’s story is one of breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries. Whether she’s critiquing political figures or reflecting on her career, she’s unafraid to voice her opinions and stand her ground. Her willingness to speak her mind, both on and off the track, continues to make her a prominent figure in American culture.
Through her racing legacy, business ventures, and outspoken personality, Patrick has carved out a unique space for herself. Her criticisms of Kamala Harris show that even in retirement from racing, she’s not stepping away from the spotlight. Instead, she’s using her platform to engage with her followers on important social and political issues, keeping her voice relevant in a rapidly changing world.
