Earnhardt not involved with Danica talks

Negotiations to bring Danica Patrick to NASCAR are ongoing with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s race team, but the driver said he has not participated in the talks and isn't certain she will drive for his Nationwide Series team.

JR Motorsports is co-owned by Earnhardt and Rick Hendrick, and both said the Patrick talks are being handled by Earnhardt's sister, Kelley. Earnhardt announced Thursday that Kelley Earnhardt and his cousin, Tony Eury Jr., have been given ownership stakes in the organization.

Kelley Earnhardt has been the driving force in the team's bid to bring Patrick to a part-time NASCAR ride.

"It's still sort of in the negotiation stages," he said. "Her and my sister are, I guess, managing that entirely. I have not been in any way, shape, or form involved."

Asked what the odds are of Patrick signing a deal, Earnhardt didn't pick a number.

"She's going to drive stock cars for somebody, someday," Earnhardt said. "It's just too much of a — look at all the Formula One guys over here checking (NASCAR) out — the writing is on the wall for her and several other guys.

"I think it's exciting. She would be great for our sport. She wants to see what's up." ThatsRacin