The Kinder, Gentler Danica Patrick with Bunnies and Rainbows

Danica Patrick says she's got nothing to prove -- at least when it comes to her passion for being P1 at any given time.

That realization is part of what's led to the rise of the kinder, gentler Danica on display in the first three races.

It's been a bit distressing, perhaps, to those of us who have been somewhat entertained in the past by the Volatile Danica or the Jacques Lazier Head Slap Danica.

During a teleconference Tuesday, I asked Danica what was up with that.

pressdog: I wanted to ask you about what I call the kinder, gentler Danica Patrick.

Danica: Yes (laughter) …

pressdog: You told VERSUS before the first race you were trying not to be mad all weekend, then when (Raphael) Matos took you into the boards at St. Petersburg, you didn't smack him like we thought you might. Where is that all coming from?

Danica: Is it OK, do you think? Do you think this is OK that I'm a little bit more calm?

pressdog: Yeah, it seems to be working for you. I was just wondering... .

Danica: I hope I'm not boring anybody (laughter). I've learned from the past. Look, the emotional Danica is still there, but there's a time and a place. The time and place is not every weekend. So it's just easier. I think I always felt in the past like I had to prove to people that I cared and that I wasn't happy being fifth or 12th or something by being mad. It just doesn't really pay off, and it turns people off. It's a lot easier and a lot more fun to be relaxed. It's all bunnies and rainbows around here (laughter).

Comments

[My Name Is IRL]

Wow. You got her to say "bunnies and rainbows". Not many mountains left for you to climb, are there?

[pressdog]

I actually think Danica and I would get along fine. (Seriously.) Sure, maybe we'd throw towels and f-bombs at each other, TEEJ and I would exchange glares, but, in the end, we'd all respect each other as competitors, and have beer together, during which I make sure everyone could see my Sarah Fisher t-shirt and Danica would polish her mini Motegi trophy.

[Roy Hobbson]

So help me God, if you get Grandpa Foyt to reference "FRUITY SOMBITCH," I'm hanging 'em up and calling it a career.

(And by "if," I mean "when.")

[pressdog]

Does having him call ME a "FRUITY SOMBITCH" count?

[Sue]

Bunnies turn rabid, and rainbows fade in minutes.............