Head2Head: Would you hire Danica Patrick?

If I was an owner and had an open car, there is no question one of my first calls would be to Danica Patrick. The positives far out-weigh the negatives.

According to data compiled by Millsport, Patrick is one of three drivers recognized by more than 50 percent of the United States public -- the other two: Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The girl is going to sell some merchandise, and I love when my company makes money.

Patrick will have a built-in fan base before she ever sits in a car, and those fans are going to be even more enthusiastic in showing their support because she is different than every other driver out there. All of this means more attention for my sponsors -- who will gladly sign on and take the publicity.

Will she be successful right away? Probably not. But a learning curve is to be expected and I will be willing to wait it out with her -- as long as it takes.

And let's be clear -- the girl can drive. Her resume isn't overwhelming, but that doesn't mean she won't be successful. Since when was the IRL a deciding factor if one could handle a stock car?

In a flash, Danica will become the most popular person in the NASCAR garage. The attention she garners will more than make up for any lack of performance on the track and I want that attention focused on my team.

I have nothing against women (and Danica Patrick appears to be all woman) and I have nothing against money (of which she would bring a lot in sponsorship deals). However, if I were an owner, I'd have to pass on signing her.

It's sad when you're known for what you do off the track more than what you've accomplished on it. Such is the case for Patrick. Everybody recognizes her as the "girl in the GoDaddy commercials," but I'd be willing to bet they don't know who she drives for, how many wins (or in this case "win") she has, or where that victory happened. She is racing's version of Anna Kournikova -- she'll win men's hearts, but she won't win much of anything else.

Need more reason not to bring her onto your payroll? Look at Sam Hornish Jr. Here's one of the five best IRL drivers of all-time, yet he struggles on a regular basis to keep his car out of the wall (and other cars). He's made progress, but it's been three years and he still has an uphill battle. Things couldn't be any easier for someone that hasn't won three IRL championships, let alone winning three races.

I'm glad she's talked about working her way to the top and paying her "dues." I just wouldn't have the patience -- or sheet metal -- to wait until she had it figured out. The distractions would be plentiful and I'd rather sign someone who is more substance than style.