Danica Patrick retiring: Watch the announcement

Danica Patrick announces retirement following 2017 season

Earlier, Danica Patrick stated that if she doesn’t do Cup, she won’t do anything. Moments ago, Danica Patrick announced that Homestead will be her final NASCAR Cup Series season.

Danica Patrick will join Dale Earnhardt Jr and Matt Kenseth as the NASCAR drivers that will retire after the race on Sunday.

“So, this will be my last season as a full-time driver,” Danica Patrick told reports at the Homestead-Miami Speedway media center. She breaks down in tears for a brief moment but gathers her composure.

Related: Dale Earnhardt Jr comments on Matt Kenseth

Danica Patrick announces her retirement
Danica Patrick announces her retirement

“But, I’m thankful for all the opportunities. I’m thankful for Dale and Kelley and Bob Parsons from GoDaddy for getting me into NASCAR. Thank you to Tony and Gene.”

“I’m really excited. I actually have something really exciting to tell you,” Danica states while fighting back tears.

“I don’t feel like I was necessarily pushed into this. I feel like I should be doing this. I feel like this is where my life should be heading. Sometimes, we just get kind of nudged there.”

Danica Patrick 2018 plans
Danica Patrick

“But, I was definitely faced with a situation at the beginning of the year that I had never faced before. I’ve never had sponsor issues. But, it made me think about things.”

What’s next for Danica?

“I’m excited about the next phase.”

“But, I’m not totally done. I am going to do the Daytona 500 next year and the Indy 500. I’m really excited about that. I think it’s going to be a great way to cap it off.”

“We’re done the line,” Danica Patrick talks about her Daytona 500 ride and Indy 500 ride and contracts. “But, nothing’s final yet. Hopefully it will be soon.”

Related: “I don’t really care what anybody thinks” -Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick retirement announcement

Links

Danica Patrick | NASCAR

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