Danica Patrick says she feels safer in Sprint Cup car
"It does feel safer," she said. "It felt safer two years ago when I first got in a Nationwide car. I'm pleased to have a roof over my head this weekend. Accidents still happen, but not a lot of serious head injuries. Having my head covered definitely adds a level of comfort."
Patrick was racing in her final IndyCar event as a full-time driver when Wheldon was killed in a terrifying multi-car accident early in the race. She is moving full-time to NASCAR in 2012.
"It was nice to have a couple of weeks off and create some space between those emotions and getting back on the track," Patrick said. "It's a tragedy and it's terrible, but hopefully everyone can learn from it and be safer from it."
Patrick is driving a Wheldon tribute car this weekend in the Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday. The No. 7 Chevy has Wheldon's lionheart symbol on it.
Patrick is donating her prize money to a trust fund established for Wheldon's family. She also will wear a Wheldon tribute helmet, which will be auctioned off for the family.
She said her decision to switch to NASCAR had nothing to do with the safety aspect of the cars.
"No, my decision was a result of a sponsor [godaddy.com] being willing to go with me," she said. "After that, it was where I had the most fun racing, and I have the most fun racing these cars." ESPN.com