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It just might. Look at what her fourth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500 did for her status as an internationally known athlete. Patrick’s victory was yet another compelling reason to watch the IndyCar series this year.

With the two open-wheel series merging, that is just one step toward rebuilding what once was that dominant form of racing in the U.S.

Patrick’s win comes on the heels of another impressive accomplishment — Graham Rahal’s victory. He became the youngest driver to take the checkered flag and gave American racing a boost, not to mention a cool storyline since he is the son of former Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal.

Patrick’s victory gives the series even more momentum, especially as it readies for the Indianapolis 500.

Plenty to prove

Don’t automatically think that just because Patrick has won in the IndyCar series she’s ready to head to NASCAR. Yes, she flirted with NASCAR a few years ago when her contract was ending at Rahal Letterman Racing. Was it serious? No. Open-wheel racing is her home right now, and she has plenty to prove, even after getting that first win.

Such as getting her second win, and an Indianapolis 500 victory, and a series championship. There is plenty on her plate and plenty to entice her to stay right where she is. It’s also a shorter season, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with having some free time. (Hint to NASCAR: shorten the season!)

Waiting patiently

There is no doubt NASCAR would love to have a female driver and an African-American driver (or drivers) in the Sprint Cup series. The NASCAR marketing machine is about building its audience and extending its demographics.

Does NASCAR “need” to be diverse? Of course not. But NASCAR is a slice of Americana, right? There is no doubt NASCAR wants to be as inclusive on the race track as it is off.

There are female and black drivers out there, but it will take time to develop them. Like any professional sport, there are steps. It is a long process and patience is required. Give it time.

Stewart leaving Gibbs?

Recent reports indicate that two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart already is looking into options with other teams, perhaps working out a deal that would allow him to become a part owner. He is under contract with Joe Gibbs Racing through the 2009 season.

I can tell you that when Stewart made a visit to Detroit just more than two weeks ago to promote the June race at Michigan International Speedway, he sang his praises of JGR.

“In all honesty, I’ve had more fun this year,” he said. “We haven’t got a win yet, (but) I’ve had more fun with my team this year than we’ve ever had. Zippy (crew chief Greg Zipadelli) and I are communicating better than we ever had. So I’m real happy with everything going on at JGR. Happy with Zippy, happy with the guys.”

Does that mean he intends to finish his career at JGR?

“I always have (thought that) from day one,” Stewart said. “There’s nothing broke there right now, so there’s nothing that needs to be fixed.”