Racers on both sides of ‘The Danica Rule’

At just over 100 lbs Danica Patrick is a lightweight and has a distinct weight advantage in the IRL. On top of that she is weak (compared to the male drivers) and used to fade in the road course races (her little arms would tire) so the IRL implemented variable rate steering and immediately she did better.

It has been called "The Danica Rule." Some call it unnecessary; others say it doesn't go far enough. Most agree it is something of a mystery because so few details are known about it.

After resisting repeated calls to institute a rule used in some form in every other major U.S. racing series, the Indy Racing League this year adopted a system that takes a driver's weight into account. Teams whose drivers are on the lighter side are compelled to add ballast to their cars to compensate.

Hence, "The Danica Rule." Since Danica Patrick and her 5-0, 100-pound frame arrived in the IndyCar Series in 2005, the debate has heated up over whether her small stature gives her an advantage.

Brian Barnhart, the IRL's president and director of competition and operations, doesn't necessarily think it does, but he reluctantly approved the rule change anyway.

"They don't make Tiger (Woods) play from a different set of tees or, when the ball goes into (Shaquille O'Neal), they don't raise the basket," he said. "It's a matter of how much your rules should affect the athlete's ability to perform. Where do you draw the line?"

Patrick doesn't allege the rule was aimed directly at her but for obvious reasons isn't a big fan of it.

"Of course, I'm disappointed," she said. "They don't do that in other sports. But on the day that everything matters, it's not going to be an issue." More at Indy Star