By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
One year after running her final Indianapolis 500 as a driver, she will be calling her first.
Ending her career in last year’s 500-mile race, Patrick will join NBC Sports’ debut coverage of the 103rd running this May when she sits alongside Mike Tirico. She will serve as studio analyst during pre-race, in-race and post-race coverage on NBC as well as Pole Day on May 19.
With eight starts in the Greastest Spectacle in Racing, Patrick, 36, is filled with excitement to be a part of the big Month of May again.
“The Indianapolis 500 holds a very special place in my heart,” said Patrick. “The moment I drive into the facility, I’m flooded with positive emotions.”
The race arguably put Patrick on the motorsports map in 2005 when she qualified fourth and overcame a mid-race accident to jump to the lead in the closing stages. She was forced to give up the race lead due to fuel strategy, finishing fourth.
In her following seven starts, she finished a highest of third in 2009 and led 10 laps.
“I have no doubt it’ll be the same this year when I come back as an analyst,” she said. “To be on the NBC Sports team with Mike Tirico will be an honor and I look forward to adding my unique perspective.
“I’ve been in the race eight times, including last year, so I’m familiar with the dynamics within IndyCar after being away for seven years. To me, Indy feels like home!”
Switching to the studio role is something she’s done before, calling a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Michigan in 2015.
Sam Flood, Executive Producer and President of Production with NBC Sports, feels Patrick will add experience to the booth in 2019.
“Danica has a perspective unlike any other driver in the history of motorsports,” Flood said, “[and she] will be a great addition to our first-ever coverage of the Indy 500. She has proven to be as fearless with her opinions and analysis as she was in breaking barriers while racing in the most competitive motorsports circuits in the world.”