In a Tuesday news conference at Chicago’s ESPNZone, Danica Patrick said she will stay in the Indy Racing League and not jump to NASCAR, something she reportedly had been exploring. Patrick will, however, leave Letterman Rahal Racing for Andretti Green Racing.
Knowing Patrick (right) also is a fan of “Talladega Nights” star Will Ferrell, RedEye’s Courtney Linehan found out the racer scored an invite to the L.A. premiere.
“I can’t make it,” Patrick said. “It’s disappointing.”
What’s your favorite Will Ferrell movie?
My favorite Will Ferrell movie is “Old School.”
Why that one?
I actually like the whole first party at the house scene where he decides to have beer, and he’s streaking down the street, and his wife pulls up and tells him to get in the car. Then he asks if KFC’s still open. That was very funny. I thought that was a good movie.
Do you like comedies in general?
Oh, yeah. You know, I love horror flicks. I made the mistake last weekend of watching “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” three times. It was right before the race in Nashville, and I did pretty well there, so maybe I should keep these exorcism movies up. I tend to have … I see things. I just start fabricating thoughts in my mind. Comedies are safe.
What do you think about when you’re racing?
Nothing. One of the things about racing is that you’re driving off of instinct, and you’re reacting to things at all times. You’re thinking a little bit ahead, when am I going to pit, how do my tires feel, but that’s about it. You’re mostly just reacting.
So you’re not really thinking about the scary movie you watched last night.
No. You’ve got some downtime at yellow flags, but you’ve still got to try and stay a little focused.
How does a guy like Will Ferrell compare to, say, David Letterman?
Well, I did two interviews with [Ferrell at the ESPYs], and he’s just kind of an obvious funny. You just have to laugh. Dave’s humor’s a little more quick and witty. For a guy like my husband who knows a little bit about everything, he’s a smart guy, so he catches all of [Ferrell’s] little jokes. Dave’s a little more of a dry humor, which is really funny too. I think everybody can appreciate either one.
Is it nice having somebody like Dave to kind of help you with things like the media blitz, becoming a celebrity? Did he ever offer you any advice?
No, not necessarily. I think I’ve learned a lot over my career so far. I had ABC and MTV coming to my school when I was 14 years old to tape some stuff for a show. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been exposed to the media for a long time. That was 10 years ago. I’ve become fairly comfortable with it all. The exposure is the best thing that you can get.
What’s it like being on MTV when you’re 14? That’s every kid’s dream, right?
It was great. It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot, though, from the ABC special. It was called “A Passion to Play: The Making of a Champion.” I remember speaking, and it sounded like I had something in my mouth. I was like, “I have to speak clearly, be articulate.” But you learn something from every interview you do.
Do you like seeing yourself on camera?
Oh, as long as they Photoshop me as much as they can, I’m fine with seeing photos and clips. One thing I’ve always kept in mind, no matter what I’ve done, is that nobody wants to run a bad picture. They all want their product to look as good as possible.
So it’s nice to know they’re watching that.
Yeah, good to know they’re looking out for me.
