Patrick was also asked for her thoughts on whether or not there is anything more that can be done in regards to managing concussions in the sport, as well as what steps she will take to be aware of whether or not she ever has a potential issue with a brain injury.
“One step is observing, and then the next step is: what do you do about it? For me, it’s going to be taking note of symptoms first, and being really aware. I feel like I’m pretty good at that — I would almost call myself hypersensitive, just because of how much I take care of myself with food and working out. I feel very perceptive to any little change in my body.”
“Hopefully, it puts NASCAR and the safety team in a position where they start to address it differently from a recording information standpoint or data and testing standpoint. There are some different protocols now, for getting out of the car and things like that, but I think the real question is: what can we do, really? You just have to be aware of your symptoms and be honest.”
Earnhardt made waves when he admitted that he had knowingly raced with a concussion during the 2002 season — something that Patrick said emphatically that she would never do in her own right.
“I wouldn’t say I have,” she answered in response to whether she had ever raced with a concussion or concussion-like symptoms. “I’ve always felt fine. I’ve never driven where I feel like I’m not in the right situation, although I took too much DayQuil one time last year (at Martinsville) and I was like, ‘Whoa, don’t do that again!’ I learned that lesson.”
Patrick will look to kick-start her 2017 season with a positive result in the 59th annual Daytona 500 (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM) following a career-best fourth place finish in the non-points Advance Auto Parts Clash last weekend.
The finish gives her confidence, not only in her team, but in Stewart Haas Racing’s new manufacturer relationship with Ford Performance.
“I think with Ford, we have a chance to control our own destiny,” Patrick said. “With Ford, Roush-Yates (Engines) is independent. They don’t have a team. We have a direct relationship with Ford, and moving forward we can work on things and that’s a real positive for us.”
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: editor@racechaseronline.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: news@racechaseronline.com
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