Danica Patrick entered 2018 as one of the most recognizable names in motorsport, balancing a historic racing career with a growing business portfolio. Her 2018 race schedule reflected a mix of full-season NASCAR commitments and select IndyCar appearances, while her public profile helped translate on-track effort into significant net worth.
Below is a detailed overview of Danica Patrick’s 2018 race schedule, career highlights, earnings trends, and answers to common fan questions.
| Category | 2018 Detail | Key Metric | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Series | NASCAR Xfinity Series | Full season with Go FAS Racing | 2018 schedule |
| IndyCar Participation | Season-opening Daytona race | 1 oval start (No. 20) | 2018 IndyCar Series |
| Estimated Net Worth | Brand endorsements + career earnings | Approximately $60–80 million | Forbes & public estimates |
| Career Highlights | First woman to lead a Cup Series lap | Multiple milestone records | 2013 & 2014 seasons |
| Business Ventures | Activewear line + media ventures | Contributed to net worth growth | Public business disclosures |
Danica Patrick 2018 Race Schedule Details
NASCAR Xfinity Series Commitment
In 2018, Danica Patrick ran a full NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule for Go FAS Racing, competing for Rookie of the Year. She balanced oval and road courses while building experience in the intermediate and short tracks.
IndyCar and Select Oval Starts
Patrick confirmed a one-race IndyCar return at the 2018 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, driving the No. 20 Juncos Racing entry. This marked one of her few oval starts outside NASCAR and demonstrated her continued versatility.
Career Achievements and Impact
Breaking Barriers in Motorsport
Danica Patrick remained a pioneering figure for women in racing, highlighted by becoming the first woman to lead a Cup Series lap at Daytona. Her consistency and professionalism elevated visibility for female drivers globally.
Media and Endorsement Influence
Beyond the track, Patrick leveraged her fame into endorsements, media appearances, and entrepreneurial projects. Her marketability helped secure long-term brand partnerships, strengthening her financial standing well beyond race results.
Business Ventures and Net Worth Context
Earnings from Racing and Endorsements
While exact salary figures for her 2018 season are private, estimates suggest her combined NASCAR salary, IndyCar appearance, and endorsement deals supported her ranking among the highest-paid women athletes. These streams contributed to a steadily rising net worth.
Activewear Line and Public Persona
Patrick’s activewear collection and lifestyle ventures broadened her appeal, attracting fans who followed her both on track and in media. This diversification played a role in maintaining her relevance and commercial value after competitive driving slowed.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Danica Patrick’s 2018 season underscored her ability to balance competitive driving with brand building, ensuring her influence extended far beyond race results and continued shaping her net worth for years.
- Ran full 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule with Go FAS Racing
- Made one IndyCar start at the 2018 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
- Maintained a prominent public profile through media and endorsements
- Contributed to an estimated net worth between $60 million and $80 million
- Expanded business reach via activewear line and brand collaborations
- Continued to inspire diversity and representation in motorsport
- Focused on selective appearances and ventures after reducing full-time racing
FAQ
Reader questions
What was Danica Patrick’s 2018 race schedule across NASCAR and IndyCar?
In 2018, Danica Patrick ran the full NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule and made a single IndyCar start at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
How did Danica Patrick’s 2018 performance affect her net worth? Her 2018 schedule helped sustain her public profile, supporting endorsement renewals and business opportunities that added to her estimated $60–80 million net worth. Did Danica Patrick compete in any other series or events in 2018?
Outside NASCAR Xfinity and the IndyCar opener, she did not run additional competitive races, focusing instead on select appearances and business development.
What long-term impact did Danica Patrick’s career have on her earnings by 2018?
Her groundbreaking career milestones built a recognizable brand, enabling higher earnings through endorsements, media roles, and entrepreneurial ventures alongside racing income.