Danica Patrick Won't Return to Stewart-Haas Racing; NASCAR Future in Doubt

Danica Patrick announced on Facebook Tuesday that she would not be returning toStewart-Haas Racing:Stewart-Haas Racing announced on Tuesday that it was adding a new racer to its lineup and addingSmithfield as a sponsor, according toBob Pockrass of ESPN.com.AsPockrassnoted, Patrick "has driven for Stewart-Haas Racing throughout her entireNASCARcareer, and while her contract originally ran through 2018, the team did not have an anchor sponsor for her for next year when Nature's Bakery ended its three-year deal after one season following the 2016 season."She now joins her teammate,Kurt Busch,andMatt Kensethof Joe Gibbs Racingas well-known drivers without rides locked down for the 2018 season, according toMichelle R.Martinelliof For The Win.Patrick is in 28th place in the standings this season, a disappointingcampaign for her. At 35, it's possible she will simply decide to call it quits after this season. She hinted at as much in August."I want to continue racing if I have an opportunity to do well," she said, perPockrass. "I have no interest, as I've said for years now, to run 20-25th. That's not fun. If I don't feel like I can have the opportunity to move on from there and have a better opportunity, then honestly, I don't care [about racing] just because it's not fun. I don't drive because I love the thrill of getting sideways."
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