Danica Patrick plans to stay in IndyCar Series

GLADEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- With NASCAR rumors swirling her, IndyCar star Danica Patrick said Saturday night that she can't see herself anywhere but on the IndyCar Series to chase her goal of winning the Indianapolis 500.
"I really feel that if you want to win Indy, you need to be in IndyCar," she said. "Having been there and having done so well, I know what that single race can do for you in your whole life. Since one of my goals is to win that race, I don't believe I can be anywhere else but IndyCar."
Patrick became a national sensation after she finished fourth in the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 -- the highest finish ever by a woman. That buzz is why where she races in 2007 has prompted widespread speculation.
Patrick said her goals of winning the Indianapolis 500 haven't changed because her parents attended a Nextel Cup race last weekend. But she said those goals would be reassessed when she wins the Indianapolis 500.
Patrick could make a decision in the next week on whether to remain in open-wheel racing or switch to stock cars in 2007.