 |
 |
 |
|
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Danica Patrick is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, more proof of her higher profile since she became the first female winner in IndyCar history last month.
Patrick, the Indy Japan 300 winner on April 20, has qualified fifth for the Indianapolis 500, making her one of the favorites for the IRL's biggest race.
Al Larsen, spokesman for AGR, said the SI cover is especially significant because it comes before the May 25 event. Her other SI cover came after the 2005 race, when she finished fourth as a rookie - still a record finish for a woman at Indy.
"To land on the cover of SI in advance of the Indianapolis 500 pushes us into the mainstream sports scene," Larsen said. "It was a great tribute to her to be on the cover for her breakout performance (2005), but it's great to be on the cover before the race. It's a sign of respect from the mainstream media."
Larsen said Patrick has granted more than 200 interviews since the win.
"It's been nuts," Larsen said. "Danica has been a champ through all of it, even with little time and not a lot of sleep."
The win also likely will pay off in terms of endorsements for Patrick, who already does well in that department.
"From a marketing standpoint, we've been getting calls from a lot of corporations, some of the biggest companies out there, wanting to be associated with our brand," John Lopes, chief marketing officer for AGR, said.
Since the win, Patrick has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" and other network programs.
"It's great," Lopes said. "To get her out there helps us tremendously from a marketing standpoint. It reinforces the fact that she transcends the sport. She's a pop-culture icon."
---
CHARITY CAMPOUT: Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and Indiana Pacers coach Jim O'Brien have joined forces with several local media members to help raise money for the Wheeler Mission, an Indianapolis group that helps provide food and shelter for the city's homeless.
A different media participant will camp out for five consecutive nights with civic groups, corporate sponsors and individuals on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield, beginning Wednesday. They're hoping to raise more than $250,000 as part of Operation Restoration, a program designed to help refund Wheeler Mission's coffers.
