NASCAR’s burning questions – is Danica Patrick’s career in jeopardy

Danica Patrick is a NASCAR Superstar

Should Danica Patrick be worried about her career if the Nature's Bakery sponsorship falls through?

Lee Davis, ESPN.com motorsports editor: Absolutely. Patrick isn't a bad racer, she just hasn't shown the kind of improvement she needs to on a power team such as Stewart-Haas Racing. As long as she brings in money — and she always has — she has a ride. The day she no longer can, that seat will go to a driver who can bring in money, or one with a bigger upside who could eventually bring in money. That's how racing has always worked.

Ryan McGee, ESPN.com writer: Yes. Her on-track performance probably isn't enough to keep running without backing. And I worry that said lack of performance has eroded the crossover appeal that has made her so attractive to sponsors. It really is an interesting time right now with drivers and sponsors and discussion/negotiation when it comes to expectations within those contracts such as appearances, social-media usage, etc. You add the glut of young talent coming up the ladder and it puts all of the above on a very accelerated pace. I think Danica's case will be interesting to watch because of all of the above.

John Oreovicz, ESPN.com writer: In the short term, no, because she has a contract. But she has good reason to worry beyond that. Her star value as a marketer has faded, and the only way she will remain relevant as a racing driver is by dramatically improving her performance on the track. This is the closest thing to a make-or-break year in Danica's career.

Bob Pockrass, ESPN.com writer: She should be worried about her career because of her results on the track. She has finished 24th in the standings the last two years and didn't finish in the top 10 in any race in 2016. She needs to be top-20 in the standings and earn top-10s at least occasionally. That would at least give a sponsor hope of a win and making the playoffs, which means sponsorship is more likely. ESPN.com