Danica Patrick’s appearance during the

Indianapolis 500

The Pit Stop Challenge held on Friday evening has sparked significant criticism among race enthusiasts, leading to widespread expressions of discontent across various social media channels.

Patrick, 43, a former

IndyCar

and

NASCAR

driver, was featured on FS1’s broadcast as part of

FOX Sports

Pre-race coverage for the Indy 500. Viewers have encountered numerous problems with FOX’s recent NASCAR broadcasts, including the

All-Star Race

and

AdventHealth 400

.

Even though she made history in auto racing by claiming victory at the Japan 300 in 2008 and achieving a third-place spot in the 2009 Indy 500—the best result for a female driver—her role as a commentator has faced backlash.

“I will pass on the Indy 500 this year. I do not want to see or hear Danica Patrick at ANY point in my life. Such a poor choice you made,” one fan commented. Another viewer expressed, “Watching the pitstop challenge, I see we’re going to jam Danica down our throat the rest of the weekend.” A third fan stated, “Will not be watching the race this year with the horrible Danica Patrick calling it. She is just a vile person. Sorry Fox. Sorry Indy.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Patrick’s recent involvement in the Make America Healthy Again Commission – a political initiative – has further polarized opinions. Just a day before her FS1 appearance, she attended an event for the commission, which has been associated with controversial health policies and political figures.






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Certain supporters have pointed out her political leanings as grounds for avoiding her. A person on social media stated emphatically, “Under no circumstances will I ever view anything involving Danica Patrick.”

Patrick’s shift from racing to sports commentary hasn’t been easy. Her analysis is seen as superficial and doesn’t add much value for viewers. “Take Danica Patrick away,” a spectator insisted, challenging NBC’s choice to highlight her extensively throughout their Indy 500 broadcasts.


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Others have labeled her commentary as “generic” and “out of touch,” suggesting that her insights do not adequately reflect the technical and strategic nuances of the race.

The dispute around Patrick isn’t recent. Back in 2010, she encountered jeers from spectators at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway following a qualifying round, underscoring her intricate connection with certain factions within the motorsports world.

With the approach of the Indy 500, the choice to add Patrick to the commentary team remains controversial.