Love in the Garage

So the news was made official today by both Danica Patrick, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. that they are in fact a couple. While I consider myself well connected with NASCAR news by way of who I follow on Twitter, at no point did I ever hear even a rumor of this possibility until earlier this week when Stenhouse was asked about it. However, it's not a surprise considering they always appeared to be good friends at the track.

What has come of this announcement however is a debate about how this will affect what happens on the track. This may be the most ridiculous query, especially when it's being asked by credible NASCAR media members.

Well here's the easiest way to answer just about any, and every question that some have about how this will work on the track. Will either of them risk their sponsors, or seats just to help the other? Absolutely not! Ricky Stenhouse Jr is not going to risk his newly minted Sprint Cup ride in the #17 Ford Fusion in order to help out Danica Patrick in her #10 Go Daddy Chevy SS. To think otherwise would go against common sense.

Their relationship on the track will be no different than the numerous groups of brothers, and father/son drivers. Dale Earnhardt was not going to move over to let Dale Jr by for a win. And I'm pretty sure Kyle isn't going to help Kurt Busch win a race. Where you may see their relationship show up in regards to a race will come in the garage area. If Ricky feels someone did Danica wrong on the track he may have his say. But even then as a racing incident he may stay out of it out of respect for Danica.

It would also be unfair to think that a personal spat between the two would show up on the track. But all of this is not going to stop people from wondering and being curious when the 17, and 10 are next to each other on the track.

The best case for this being a non-issue is the way they handled the announcement. Ricky Stenhouse Jr could have easily said "yes" when asked if they were dating. Danica could have easily spilled the beans Monday when Stewart-Haas did their media obligations during the Sprint Media tour. Instead both agreed to keep the focus on their teams, cars, and sponsors and make the announcement today. What's more, and something brought up today on SiriusXM Speedway is the fact that now they don't have to worry about a photographer hiding out trying to get a story breaking picture of them sneaking a kiss or a hug. It's out for all the world to know, and get use to several weeks before everyone's focus will be elsewhere.