Danica Patrick is not letting the haters dim her spotlight. As the racing world gears up for Sunday's historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., the 45-year-old former IndyCar and NASCAR star is set to join FOX's pre-race coverage—and she's making it clear she's thrilled to be part of the action.
FOX announced that Patrick, along with four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves, will team up with Emmy-winning host Chris Myers for a special 90-minute pre-race show. The broadcast, which kicks off at 11:30 AM ET on FOX and FOX One, will honor all four branches of the U.S. military while setting the stage for the day's landmark event.
But not everyone is cheering for Patrick's return to the booth. Social media has been buzzing with criticism, with some fans vowing to skip the broadcast altogether.
"Danica is going to be a tough watch on Sunday," one user wrote. Another added, "If Danica is part of the broadcast, I won't be watching." A third fan chimed in, "Bad enough Chris Myers and Danica Patrick will be on the pre-race. I'm fortunate that I'll be there and not have to suffer through this."
Patrick, however, is taking the negativity in stride. Over the weekend, she fired back with a simple yet powerful message from the White House, where she was attending an event tied to the race.
"BRB. America's 250th is going full throttle 🏁," she posted on social media, clearly relishing the moment.
She also expressed her anticipation for the unique backdrop of the nation's capital, adding, "How about that backdrop."
Patrick's role in the broadcast comes amid a wave of IndyCar drivers rallying behind the historic D.C. race appearance, which has drawn attention from all corners of the sports world. The event is also a nod to the country's 250th anniversary, and Patrick's presence adds a layer of star power that FOX clearly hopes will draw viewers.
This isn't the first time Patrick has faced public scrutiny. She's been a polarizing figure in motorsports since her groundbreaking career, but she's also known for her resilience. Whether it's her social media posts or her outspoken opinions, Patrick has never shied away from the spotlight.
As the Freedom 250 Grand Prix gets underway, all eyes will be on the streets of D.C. — and on Patrick's commentary. For fans who can't make it to the track, the pre-race show promises to deliver insights and excitement, even if some viewers are less than thrilled about the lineup.
Patrick, for her part, is just happy to be part of the celebration. "How about that backdrop," she repeated, encapsulating her enthusiasm for the day's events.
