Danica Patrick has marked milestones in motorsport history. She has set unbroken records, including her historic pole position at the Daytona 500, in 2013. Her victory at the Indy Japan 300 is a testament to her versatility and skill across different racing disciplines. Beyond her on-track achievements, Patrick’s impact extended into popular culture, notably with her media appearances and political alignments. But recently, she reflected on a heartwarming moment that left her in tears.

Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. share fond connections as she drove JR Motorsports in 2012. And, ahead of an exciting Super Bowl LIX event, she reshared, how Dale Jr.’s professional partner gave her chills on a night that she could never forget.

Danica Patrick’s response to country music sensation

It was in 2023 when Chris Stapleton sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl LVII, which not only left people praising his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” for being better than anyone else but also left everyone in tears. Remember how the internet was flooded with videos of Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and center Jason Kelce in tears? And the final note of his that filled the stadium with cheers? Reflecting on the same event, Danica Patrick shared a story on Instagram, recalling her emotions, which were no less intense than anyone else. 

She reposted a story of her friend who mentioned Danica Patrick, “Got to witness this live… I won’t ever forget it. Chills. Tears. It was absolutely beautiful” the story read. Normally, the 11-time Grammy Award winner never gives up his signature cowboy hat, but it was this time when he was seen wearing sunglasses and playing guitar without the hat. Later in an interview, he admitted how he felt terrified before singing the national anthem. He further expressed his experience on the Dirty Mo Media show with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“I would have people ask me to sing the national anthem for various things, and I jokingly always said, No, I’ll just do it when it’s time to do it at the Super Bowl,’’ he further stated “And I just turned it down a lot, and I do say now that I’ve officially retired from it as well.” For Stapleton, he did justice to the national anthem at the Super Bowl and feels no need to have to do it again. However, he stays humble while recalling his experience.

Reflecting on his performance, he mentioned, “I’m not saying my version wasn’t good. I think it was good,” Stapleton further said, “But all the TV editing that they did while I was doing it was just spot on… Everything that they did to make that moment feel as big and nice as it could—they did it, and they executed it flawlessly.” As he ended the national anthem, the camera cut to fireworks outside the stadium and planes flying across, sending chills down the spine of every American listening to him.

Reflecting on people’s comments and positive feedback, he frankly shared in an interview, “People were like, ‘Oh. You made people cry,'” Stapleton recalls. “I was like, ‘Oh, OK. Good, I’m gonna go watch the game.’” Obviously, why would he miss the Super Bowl live, even for a second? Especially when it’s between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, just like 2025! Although Stapleton won’t be there at the Super Bowl singing the national anthem this time, something bigger is waiting for him. Something he holds dear to his heart.

Chris Stapleton at the Daytona 500

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Chris Stapleton, the founder of the Traveller Whiskey brand, wanted to promote his car in races like NASCAR, where people can see his brand in a running car. He shared this with Rick Hendrick, who connected him with Dale Earnhardt Jr. whose long-awaited dream of entering as owner in the cup series came to life. Traveller Whiskey is sponsoring the Daytona 500 race for JRM with their 2024 Xfinity Championship Series Winner, Justin Allgaier, who will Pilot the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet.

“Traveller Whiskey joining JR Motorsports for their inaugural entry into the Cup Series at the DAYTONA 500 feels like a very natural partnership,” said Stapleton. “I’m honored to be a part of this historic moment with Dale [Earnhardt Jr.] and Kelley [Earnhardt Miller, CEO JRM], and excited to see Justin [Allgaier] race the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet in Daytona.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. felt the same emotion. The JR Motorsports co-owner has been waiting a long time for his Cup Series debut with JRM. When starting the team in 2004, he hoped they would run a few Xfinity races. Now, with 4 Xfinity championships under their belt, they are ready to dip their toes at the Daytona 500.

“We’ve been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports,” said Earnhardt Jr. “With Justin winning the Xfinity Series championship and Chris Stapleton’s undeniable star power, the planets aligned for this perfect opportunity to enter this year’s Daytona 500.” Stapleton’s Whiskey Brand Blend No.40 has also inspired Justin Allgaier’s car number. Moreover, Chris has also given input in designing the car that will represent his brand.

Justin Allgaier was very appreciative of this gesture, and it showed him that Stapleton wasn’t just a guy looking to market his brand. He felt that Stapleton cared about racing and the Daytona 500. Allgaier said, “Seeing your design input in this and then looking at you as an artist right it’s been cool because I feel like no matter what you do you’re very intentional and very involved in it and that to me is something that you know representing a brand right whether it be Traveller or any of our other partners you want to know they’re invested in it.” 

The Daytona 500 is just a week away, and the excitement continues to grow. Justin Allgaier will hope he can make his dream, Dale Jr.’s Cup Series dream and Chris Stapleton’s NASCAR dream come true by qualifying for the event. The competition is tough with IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves, and 7x Cup Champ Jimmie Johnson, among other veterans attempting to qualify for the event. Do you think we will see Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey livery at the main event?