If you drive scared, you'll think about the wrong thing
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Q19 Playboy: When asked about female drivers in NASCAR, Richard Petty said, "I just don't think it's a sport for women. It's good for them to come in.
It gives us a lot of publicity; it gives them publicity. But as far as being a real, true racer, making a living out of it, it's kind of tough." Do you think NASCAR is less prepared for a female driver than Indy?
Patrick: No. Since Juan Pablo Montoya started and since NASCAR is interested in recruiting minority groups, it would be more open than ever. It's trying to expand its fan base. It saw the kinds of things that happened with my being involved with Indy, so I'm sure NASCAR would like to see that happen to its series.
Q20 Playboy: Is it hard to be both sexy and a racer?
Patrick: When I was younger I felt uncomfortable because I didn't want people to look at me and think, She's just some girl, and write me off before they gave me a chance. There's nothing I can't do in a race car because I'm a girl. These days I love being a girl.
Q21 Playboy: Formula One President Bernie Ecclestone reportedly told you, "Women should be dressed in white like all other domestic appliances." Were you shocked?
Patrick: That was bad timing on his part. That was right after Indy the first year. I was really liked in Indianapolis so I don't think that was a good move. But I also think he was trying to distract from the fact that they had a tire problem and only six cars started the race. It was a wag-the-dog kind of thing. He wanted to draw the attention over here. I think it's funny. I think it's great when someone wants to say something too far. I didn't say it. It's always a compliment when people are talking about you.
Q19 Playboy: When asked about female drivers in NASCAR, Richard Petty said, "I just don't think it's a sport for women. It's good for them to come in.
It gives us a lot of publicity; it gives them publicity. But as far as being a real, true racer, making a living out of it, it's kind of tough." Do you think NASCAR is less prepared for a female driver than Indy?
Patrick: No. Since Juan Pablo Montoya started and since NASCAR is interested in recruiting minority groups, it would be more open than ever. It's trying to expand its fan base. It saw the kinds of things that happened with my being involved with Indy, so I'm sure NASCAR would like to see that happen to its series.
Q20 Playboy: Is it hard to be both sexy and a racer?
Patrick: When I was younger I felt uncomfortable because I didn't want people to look at me and think, She's just some girl, and write me off before they gave me a chance. There's nothing I can't do in a race car because I'm a girl. These days I love being a girl.
Q21 Playboy: Formula One President Bernie Ecclestone reportedly told you, "Women should be dressed in white like all other domestic appliances." Were you shocked?
Patrick: That was bad timing on his part. That was right after Indy the first year. I was really liked in Indianapolis so I don't think that was a good move. But I also think he was trying to distract from the fact that they had a tire problem and only six cars started the race. It was a wag-the-dog kind of thing. He wanted to draw the attention over here. I think it's funny. I think it's great when someone wants to say something too far. I didn't say it. It's always a compliment when people are talking about you.
