Danica 'Shut Up And Race,' Says David Gilliland: NASCAR Feud?
Danica Patrick and fellow NASCAR driver David Gilliland made their discord public at the Kansas Speedway this week.
During Sunday's STP 400 race in Kansas City, Patrick was heard discussing Gilliland with her team over the radio, according to USA Today reports Tuesday.
"He tries to take me out every time," the 31-year-old said. "Tell his team spotter that I'm coming after him if he does it again. In fact, I might just do it right now."
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The conversation revealed the competitive nature between Patrick and Gilliland.
Although Patrick did not seek justice on the racetrack that day, Gilliland has responded to her remarks. According to his spokeswoman Shari Spiewak, his message for Patrick was a pointed one.
"Shut up and race," Spiewak said Sunday.
Alternately, Patrick did not speak to reporters after Sunday's race. In an unusual move, the driver released comments through a spokesperson instead.
"It's disappointing because I think we could have had a much better finish with the Go Daddy car, but [trash on the grill] is one of those things that's out of our control," said the PR agent. "The pit crew was awesome."
Sunday saw Gilliland finish in 23rd place with Patrick behind in 25th.
Meanwhile, Patrick remains a media darling as she recently joined the Sprint Cup full-time this year.
The record-making racecar driver also took center stage of this year's Daytona 500 after she won the coveted pole position.
It was an accomplishment that marked the first time a woman had won the position during the Daytona 500, which is said to be the Super Bowl of NASCAR.
"I've heard stories about a kid, a boy or a girl, saying, 'But mommy, daddy. That's a girl that's out there racing,'" Patrick began to explain to CNN's Don Lemon earlier this year. "And then they can have that conversation to say, 'You can do anything you want to do and gender doesn't matter.' Your passion is what matters. And that's cool."
As one of NACAR's most popular drivers, Patrick has also posed for men's magazines including the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, which propelled her into stardom.
