SHOP: Danica gear
Danica Patrick will pilot her final NASCAR race on Sunday, but her impact and contributions to the sport won’t be going away anytime soon.
Especially for young female drivers like Natalie Decker who look to Patrick as role model and pioneer in the professional stock car industry.
MORE: Patrick is all systems go in Daytona | Danica through the years
Just last weekend, the 20-year-old ARCA driver became the fourth female to win a pole (Lucas Oil 200) at Daytona International Speedway.
The first? Patrick in 2013, of course.
Hours before the 35-year-old gets behind the wheel of her No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet, Decker sent a tweet sending her gratitude toward Patrick.
Dear @DanicaPatrick
Thank you for following your dreams!
Thank you for loving the sport!
Thank you for being you!Love, Natalie Decker pic.twitter.com/s8nuPsqb3T
– Natalie Decker (@NatalieRacing) February 18, 2018
Well that just put us straight in our feels. Love this message. pic.twitter.com/KvOfrO6CuJ
– GoDaddy (@GoDaddy) February 18, 2018
Danica Patrick also received a nice ovation after being recognized during the drivers’ meeting ahead of the 60th running of the Daytona 500.