‘Pretty’ Danica Patrick finishes 17 laps down

With the Cope sisters (above) now entering NASCAR, Danica Patrick has some real competition for best looking driver

Danica Patrick did nothing to quiet her NASCAR critics on Saturday with her Nationwide performance at Gateway.

Patrick followed up her career-best 21st place finish last week with a 22nd place finish this week, while finishing 17 laps off the lead.

That's right, NASCAR's biggest star finished a full 17 laps off and her performance reminds us of NASCAR's 2nd biggest star, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

We remember the days when racing greats were the best drivers, like it remains in F1 today. Meanwhile all the race series where the 'prettiest' driver is the biggest hero are spiraling downward toward oblivion.