Retired motorsports icon Danica Patrick stepped into the political spotlight over the weekend, sharing a platform with former President Donald Trump at a rally in her home state of Arizona. The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, who hung up her helmet in 2018, used the moment to make a political endorsement and reveal a newfound passion for combat sports.
A Political Pit Stop in Arizona
Patrick, 44, officially threw her support behind former NFL kicker Jay Feely, who is running for a U.S. Congressional seat. Her appearance marked a notable crossover from the racetrack to the political arena, demonstrating her continued influence in the sports world and beyond. The rally provided a unique backdrop for Patrick to connect with Trump directly, and she came prepared with two specific points to make.
Patrick's Direct Message to the Former President
When she got her moment with Trump, Patrick didn't waste any time. First, she expressed strong admiration for UFC President Dana White, one of Trump's most vocal supporters in the sports community. "I love Dana White," Patrick revealed, highlighting the connection between political and combat sports spheres.
Her second point revealed a personal evolution in her sports fandom. Since retiring from professional racing, Patrick has developed a serious interest in mixed martial arts. She told Trump she's become "a huge UFC fan" and expressed clear interest in attending the UFC event scheduled to take place at the White House this summer. This dual message—praising a key supporter while angling for an exclusive event invitation—showcased Patrick's savvy understanding of the moment.
Life After Racing Takes New Turns
Since her retirement six years ago, Patrick has explored various avenues beyond the driver's seat. Most recently, she concluded a five-year stint as part of Sky Sports' Formula 1 coverage team. In a heartfelt statement last month, Patrick announced she wouldn't be returning to the broadcast booth in 2026.
"From my first Sky Sports F1 race in Austin to my last five years later... I had such a blast!" Patrick wrote. She thanked the Sky team, reflected on visiting amazing new tracks and cities, and noted she was "part of a huge boom in F1." Her decision to move on came after the 2025 season, but she emphasized her continued passion for the sport, saying she'll be "glued to my TV for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan!"
This career shift appears to have opened up space for new interests, including her growing enthusiasm for UFC. It also allows more time for political engagement, as seen in her support for Feely's congressional campaign. Patrick's life in Arizona has had its unexpected moments too, including when her home became an unexpected wildlife arena with visits from snakes and javelinas.
Sports and Politics Continue to Intersect
Patrick's rally appearance is part of a broader trend of sports figures engaging in the political process. The intersection of sports and politics has become increasingly prominent, with figures from various disciplines voicing support for candidates and causes. Trump's relationship with the sports world remains particularly active, from golf ventures to combat sports promotions.
The former president's connections to golf have faced scrutiny, including questions about LIV Golf funding and golf course developments. Meanwhile, Patrick has focused her advocacy elsewhere, recently making a public plea for parents to reconsider youth sports intensity.
As Patrick continues to navigate her post-racing career, her weekend in Arizona demonstrated she remains unafraid to shift gears—whether that means endorsing political candidates, changing broadcast roles, or developing new sports passions. Her direct approach with Trump suggests the competitive fire that made her a racing pioneer still burns, even if it's now directed toward different finish lines.
