Go Dani: Danica Patrick Confirms Position In Nascar's 2012 Daytona 500

Patrick, who will compete full time in the Nascar Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports next season, confirmed earlier reports that her limited Sprint Cup Series schedule with Stewart-Haas Racing will begin on Feb. 26 with “The Great American Race.”

According to Nascar, Patrick will race a No. 10 Sprint Cup Chevrolet. Her schedule will also include events at Darlington, Bristol, Atlanta, Chicagoland, Dover, Texas and Phoenix, near Patrick’s home in Scottsdale, Az.

“The most weighted factor [in determining the schedule] was places that might be a challenge,” Patrick said during a media event on Nov. 4. “Places that had unique characteristics, that would be good to get some extra laps at.”

Regarding the Daytona 500, Patrick, who made her stock car and Nascar debuts at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks 2010, said, “There are other places where I’ll go that will take a long time to learn. So it was that, and it’s just a good weekend to start, because it’s good for Go Daddy and the other partners.”

In addition to lead sponsor GoDaddy.com, Patrick’s sponsors include Tissot. Peak, Mattel’s Hot Wheels, Nationwide Insurance and MarquisJet.

“Each year, the Daytona 500 produces unforgettable moments that forever change the lives of fans and drivers,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said in a statement. “We wish [Danica] well and are excited about her participation in the Nascar’s biggest and most prestigious event – the Daytona 500.”