Danica Patrick won’t return to Iowa Speedway for NASCAR

If you want to catch Danica Patrick competing behind the wheel of a race car within the Iowa border Sundaywill probably be your only chance. The famous IndyCar driver, who is competing on a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series announced Saturday morning she would not return for the Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250 at the Iowa Speedway for July 31.

Patrick, who will run in Sunday's IndyCar Iowa Corn Indy 250,  is about to embark on a hectic stretch where she will be alternating between NASCAR and IndyCar events the next three weekends. She is expected to compete in at least 10 races in each series, joining Tony Stewart and Sam Hornish, Jr., according to SI.com's Bruce Martin.

She will be in the field for the New England 200 next Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. She will return to IndyCar racing for the Grand Prix at the Glen  at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) July 4.

“I'm doing so much more driving than anything else which is a definite shift in the schedule,” Patrick said at a news conference Saturday morning. “It's fun. It's hard, though. You're always on the spot. You're always trying to be faster and faster and up against the clock but it makes you a better driver. It's helping me to be able to adapt in more situations and I think it can only make you a better driver.”

Patrick is certainly a popular attraction for race fans. Iowa Speedway wants her here, but it won't weaken a strong lineup.

“It doesn't affect us one way or the other,” Iowa Speedway's Vice President of Promotions and Communications Craig Armstrong said. “It would be nice if we could have her. Obviously, we would love to have her (here).”

Factors could lead to Patrick, or even JR Motorsports, to reconsider. Nationwide has a strong presence in Des Moines, the car sponsor Go-Daddy and Iowa Speedway is considered a home track for the Series, according to Armstrong.

“Whether that happens or not is up to faith,” Armstrong said. “I haven't given up hope.”

The track isn't the reason. Patrick has enjoyed the atmosphere while competing in Newton.

“The fans are always great,” Patrick said. “It's always packed and it's really nice as a driver to be able to look up in the stands before the race and see full stands instead of quarter-full or half.”

Armstrong said he expects the second installment of the U.S. Cellular 250 is expected to be exciting. He expects a number of NASCAR stars to be in the field, including Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and possibly Kyle Busch.

“We'll have a hell of a show,” Armstrong said, “and a big crowd.”