As soon as Gibson picked his driver up for dinner, she flipped the radio over to the country station on the dial.
Thats when he knew.
While Patrick has yet to conform to Gibsons other requests to fish and hunt deer, the bond has already begun to form. And Gibson feels that building a comfortable environment for NASCARs most recognizable driver will help her persevere as she makes her jump to the Sprint Cup Series.
I dont want to put any more pressure on her to do anything outside of her ability, Gibson said. She and the fans already put more than enough pressure on her.
Ive always kept that personal and dont talk about, Patrick said. So, I think its pretty easy to go about my business in the same fashion. Theres going to be plenty to talk about when it comes to racing. There are going to be some exciting weekends. There are going to be some challenging weekends. But there are going to be some good ones; thats what I believe with Tony Gibson and the team, were going to have good weekends.
If Patrick is feeling any pressure, she didnt show it with her bring it attitude as she strolled into the media tour in spiked Christian Louboutin heels ($1,495 at Bergdorf Goodman). She quickly deflected questions regarding her life outside of racing and pending divorce and put the focus back on racing.
Certainly, Gibsons simple nature complements Patricks analytical disposition. How has the pair hit it off so quickly? Gibsons quick response: Opposites attract. During the offseason, Patrick asked her father why she enjoys working with straightforward, redneck types such as Gibson and her former Nationwide Series crew chief Tony Eury Jr.? He explained, They dont overthink things. For Patrick, a light-hearted approach by a crew chief who trusts his drivers input suits her best.
Together, Patrick and Gibson appear ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Although Patrick is doing her best to conform to Gibsons world, however, it might take the veteran crew chief time to get used to hers.I dont think all the shoes I have in my closet add up to the cost of her shoes, Gibson said. I buy my shoes at Bass Pro Shop. But maybe by the end of the year I might get her in a pair of camouflage heels.
Now is all this a prelude to the new Danica? She is stepping out more with the guys and has no excess baggage now to control her course, Time will tell how her new Steering Committee massages and molds her into the driver of the future,at least for her future.
the above taken in part from lee spencer on fox sports
updated by @johnny-mallonee: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM
