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Update #1 – Danica Patrick spoke with the Associated Press on Wednesday and she noted that she was “surprised” by the announcement from GoDaddy. Below are Patrick’s comments via the AP.
"I’m sad. I’m a little surprised and I’m sad. But to say I didn’t imagine this was not a scenario would be a lie. It’s bittersweet. It’s going to be really weird to think I won’t drive the bright green, can’t-miss-it car next year.It’s a little bit scary and unfamiliar for me. I’ve been very lucky as a driver to not have to worry about who is going to sponsor me. Maybe there’s something out there that will be new and fresh, maybe reach a new demographic that both markets me and builds my brand. I’ve always encouraged my partners to use my platform to build their brand, and this is maybe an opportunity for something new."
Update #2 – Tony Stewart released a statement via SHR about the departure of GoDaddy and the future of Patrick this season.
"GoDaddy has been a great partner for us and for the sport overall. There’s a lot of season left on the calendar and it would be great to go out with a win … that would really put the exclamation point on what has been a hugely successful relationship."
Update #3 – There is no word on whether or not Patrick will be brought back to SHR in 2016. There weren’t any plans to make an announcement about that at this time prior to the GoDaddy announcement and it appears the GoDaddy announcement isn’t going to change that. Patrick mentioned to the AP that she has positive sponsor relationships with Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Nationwide and Tissot. She alluded to the fact that maybe one of them will want to take on a bigger role in 2016. Patrick also has relationships in place with Aspen Dental and Tax Act which could expand next season.
Heck of a lot of season left to win driving the @godaddy car! Everything evolves and changes in life, I'm excited for what's to come!
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) April 29, 2015
Danica Patrick is in the final year of her contract with Stewart-Haas Racing. Patrick is also in the midst of her best NASCAR season thus far, granted it has only been nine races and there is still a long way to go. Heading into 2015 there was an underlying understanding that Patrick needed to improve in her third full-time season in NASCAR in order to secure her spot in 2016 with SHR. Granted, this understanding has never been verified by SHR, but it’s hard to assume they would bring her back if 2015 was disaster.
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On Wednesday things with Patrick became more interesting when it was announced that longtime sponsor and supporter GoDaddy would not be returning as a sponsor in 2016. GoDaddy isn’t just leaving Patrick though as they are moving away from NASCAR completely. GoDaddy was represented across the board at SHR although they were most known for being Patrick’s primary sponsor.
Keep refreshing this article for all of the latest updates, reactions and new in regards GoDaddy leaving Patrick and NASCAR following the conclusion of the 2015 season.