Danica nervous about stock car debut

Danica talks to Tony Eury Jr. who will mentor her

Danica Patrick, who announced Tuesday that she will drive a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2010, admitted she's a little apprehensive about making her stock-car debut.

"I'm definitely nervous about next year running in the Nationwide Series," said Patrick, who was in Dallas as part of Time Warner Cable's launch of its Road Runner Mobile network. "It's going to be really difficult and it's going to be a real challenge. Obviously with the primary focus being on the IndyCar Series, it's not as if my core focus is on it. I'm going to give it all I have. I don't doubt I have a great team around me in the Nationwide Series."

"It's done this way on purpose," said Patrick, who will test her ARCA car next week. "No. 1, I can feel it out and get a feel for whether I really like the car. Also I can start small and see if it really goes from there. I like the structure. Everyone around me wants me to be successful if I make it to Sprint Cup one day. Their advice to me is to start small."

"I've spoken to quite a few guys who've tried NASCAR at any level," she said. "They all had definite opinions and views and feedback. There was no argument that the cars were fun and the racing was fun. It was just a matter of feeling comfortable and getting the experience."

"I'm not necessarily out there with negative thoughts toward anyone or trying to change their minds," said Patrick, whose NASCAR debut will likely come at the Feb. 13 Camping World 300 at Daytona. "I have great support to allow me to pursue this dream to try these cars out and see what I can do. When I go out there, as long as I've gone out there and done my job, it's hard to care what other people say."