PHOENIX, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Popular IndyCar driver Danica Patrick said Tuesday she'll compete in a limited number of NASCAR stock-car races next year.
Patrick, widely considered the most popular figure in Indy-style racing, has signed with JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister Kelley Earnhardt and Rick Hendrick, who also owns NASCAR's successful Hendrick Motorsports, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Patrick, 27, told reporters in Phoenix she is set to drive a No. 7 Chevrolet in a "limited number" of races in NASCAR's lower-level Nationwide Series. She indicated the NASCAR races would most likely come before and after the Izod IndyCar Series, to be held between March and October.
In her announcement, which ended rampant speculation, Patrick said she would warm up for her NASCAR debut by driving in a Feb. 6 second-tier ARCA stock-car series at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
The Times said Patrick added there was "no necessary time frame" on her possibly moving up to NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup Series.
