Women’s basketball is currently on a tremendous upward trend, and perhaps it is time for NASCAR to finally make more efforts to invest in their female talent so that they can also compete for championships.’ The times are changing, and the sport needs to evolve with them. Motorsports have always been a heavily male-dominated sport, but with the right amount of training and patience, stock car racing could have its own Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese. However, not all race fans are on board with the idea.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese stole the show and broke stereotypes
Recently, the Iowa Hawkeyes and LSU took on each other in a rematch from the 2023 NCAA Championship Game to determine who will go through to the Championship 4 this season. Last year, Angel Reese stole the headlines by being one of the most valuable players, and this year, it was Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. She had 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds to her name, which is an incredible performance. Perhaps that’s what NASCAR needs as well.
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“Everything averages out over the course of the year. I think that just speaks to the confidence I have in myself, the time I put in the gym. I know I’m ready for this moment. I thought my shot felt good in warmups. It certainly helps when you make your first 3 as a shooter, when you can see the ball go in,” she said, as per ESPN.
Both Caitlin Clark and Reese have had memorable seasons and are becoming two of the biggest names not just in women’s basketball, but in the sport as a whole. According to NASCAR insider Pete Pistone, that’s exactly what NASCAR needs as well. Female drivers who can actually win races and compete for championships instead of just another winless Danica Patrick story. However, fans have their reservations.
People care more about women’s sports today than anytime in my life – people also care about personalities and storylines, which this had tons of – and I say this in all seriousness and respect, NASCAR needs a Caitlin Clark or an Angel Reese, a successful female driver https://t.co/dBAJKFqqzr
— Pete Pistone (@PPistone) April 2, 2024
Race fans are torn over NASCAR Insider’s inclusive proposition
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One user believes that having a female driver would be good for the sport’s popularity, but she must have character as well, which both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have.
“A successful female driver would be nice. But that’s not it. It’s standing out cause Clark is a badass. Cussing, shoving, shit talking. And just being good. That’s what Nascar is missing what made it famous with rough, edgy, straight, dirty rivalries. Cleaning it up to be something its not was the worst decision by Nascar and sponsors,” they commented.
“Agree. Or just a Cinderella story or someone with character. Nascar is lacking that,” quipped another fan.
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A lot of comparisons were drawn to Danica Patrick by people who are a bit unsure of the proposition of NASCAR investing heavily in a female driver. At the end of the day, you can’t be winless and not fight for titles and expect to have sponsors or teams stick with you.
“The thing is, a woman with the same stats as a Tyler Reddick would be seen as a failure, not a potential star. We had Danica. It will take several competing at the same time,” one user wrote.
“I agree but forcing mediocre at best (at the Cup level) talent on us to achieve this goal (Danica) will always achieve the exact opposite goal in the end. Yes, it’d be great. No, we can’t force it. They either exist or they don’t. And currently, they don’t,” commented another.
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A couple of fans went back and forth over the idea. “LOL what a ridiculous comment,” wrote one fan. “Motorsports doesn’t need successful women athletes? Enlighten me,” replied another. In an era where NASCAR’s popularity is slowly but surely declining, a successful female driver with a fiery personality might just be what the sport needs.