Late to the indignation party

When I was a kid, I used to follow auto racing. Round track, not road racing (prettyboys — ptui). Even did a little myself when I was a kid (not quite this young). I pay some attention to NASCAR now, since my mom follows it, but you couldn’t call me a fan. Nothing with the Indy cars, midgets, local stock cars or sprints.

So I’m kind of late with this whole Danica Patrick thing that happened in May. And I wonder what was the point of all the brouhaha? It sure sounds like some people were surprised (and others were pissed) she did so well(ish) at the Indy 500. Why should her plumbing make a difference to her racing abilities?

Men and women are different. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be successful in the same arenas. All that’s required of a race car driver at this level is good driving skill, reasonable ability to communicate with the crew, press and sponsors, and helpful contacts. Good rides are hard to find, and harder to keep. Team Rahal obviously feel that Patrick meets their requirements, who are we to second-guess them?