IndyCar: Danica Patrick to join NBC Sports for 2019 Indianapolis 500

Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick, an eight-time Indianapolis 500 starter, is set to join NBC Sports for this year’s Indy 500.

Danica Patrick, the former NASCAR and IndyCar driver who made her final Indianapolis 500 start in the 102nd running of the race last May, is set to return to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” this year, but she is set to do so in a new role.

The 36-year-old Beloit, Wisconsin native is set to join NBC Sports as a studio analyst for their inaugural coverage of the 200-lap race around the four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana this May. She is set to be a part of the network’s pre-race, in-race and post-race coverage alongside host Mike Tirico.

Here is what Sam Flood, executive producer and president, production, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network, had to say about the addition of Patrick to the broadcast team for this year’s running of the Indy 500, according to NBC Sports.

"“Danica has a perspective unlike any other driver in the history of motorsports and will be a great addition to our first-ever coverage of the Indy 500. She has proven to be as fearless with her opinions and analysis as she was in breaking barriers while racing in the most competitive motorsports circuits in the world.”"

Here is what Patrick had to say about the opportunity to join the NBC Sports broadcast team as a studio analyst for this year’s Indy 500, according to NBC Sports.

"“The Indianapolis 500 holds a very special place in my heart. The moment I drive into the facility, I’m flooded with positive emotions. I have no doubt it’ll be the same this year when I come back as an analyst. To be on the NBC Sports team with Mike Tirico will be an honor and I look forward to adding my unique perspective. I’ve been in the race eight times, including last year, so I’m familiar with the dynamics within IndyCar after being away for seven years. To me, Indy feels like home!”"

Patrick spent seven seasons competing in IndyCar as a full-time driver from 2005 to 2011 season before leaving for NASCAR, where she spent a total of six seasons as a full-time driver.

She drove in the Xfinity Series on a full-time basis in the 2012 season before being promoted to the Cup Series as a full-time driver ahead of the 2013 season. She competed in the series on a full-time basis until the 2017 season reached its conclusion.