LAST WEEK'S QUESTION
Is Danica Patrick deserving of all the attention she receives as the face of the IndyCar Series? Why or why not?

Danica is very deserving of the attention she has received. She has worked hard to make a name and place for herself in the IndyCar Series.

It seems some folks say because she's a woman, she should not be driving this series. She has proven herself to be a worthy opponent, even taking a win at the race in Japan. Danica uses strategy and driving skills just like all the other drivers in the series. She has become very popular with fans.

The other drivers should look out - she might be another pretty face, but she sure has the driving skills to back it up! Gloria Bradley Richmond

This articulate, talented, opinionated, outspoken firebrand is just what IRL needs.

Close to 50 percent of the IRL fan base is women. Were it not for Danica, IRL would be almost invisible.

This year, Danica ranks fifth out of 47 IRL drivers. Danica finished in the top 10 seven of the nine races to date with one win to her credit. Her two DNFs were a result of being wrecked by other drivers.

Danica is the only one of the three female IRL drivers who drives every race. This pixie, with a natural target on her back, takes on all the competition and can dish out what she receives. As the face of IRL, she rocks! Rusty Gilfillan Midlothian

The verdict on Danica Patrick as a successful IRL driver is not in yet.

She is great for the PR needed by the IRL series. She has great fan appeal, good looks and she can drive. I find myself following her results.

Is she an impact on the track? Not yet! The victory in Japan should not be considered a fluke anymore than the recent Kurt Busch victory in the rained-called NASCAR New Hampshire, but Danica's victory was won due to the lack of petro in the tanks of her competitors.

In the recent race at RIR, she finished sixth, but she completed only one competitive pass in the race. The same was true the previous SunTrust race, in 2007, and, to a degree, in 2006.

In the open track, she can drive, and really fast, as her qualifying has indicated. However, she does not do very well in traffic. [Is that a] lack of skill or fear? Do not blame the equipment.

She is not an impact at this time, but hopefully she will be in the future. Byron Hensley Richmond

I think she deserves all the attention she receives because the only thing she has tested positive for is her great talent as a race car driver and great personality. Tiger Woods and Danica bring a greatness and dignity back into sports. Ray Louth Richmond

As far as I am concerned, Danica Patrick is not deserving of the attention she is getting.

I even heard one sports announcer say she would vote for her for athlete of the year. This is absolutely ridiculous.

Danica Patrick has only won one race out of 55, and that was a small race in Japan. She doesn't place very well in the races she races in this country, and she doesn't drive very well.

It's only the TV announcers who keep pushing her name, and it's for no reason whatsoever. She's not that great of a driver. I wish she was.

I think it is really overblown to keep bringing her to the forefront everywhere she goes when she does not finish races very well. Tom Schneider Richmond