Devils advocate here guys. The passion and dedication you guys show for drag racing is commendable and that is why this sport has a non wavering fan based. It is a sport that when you are in it you are in it for life. But the comparisons you are giving to Danica are unfair to both parties. Danica is where she is the same way Ashley is where she is, they are both beautiful and they both are pretty successful drivers. Comparing driving abilities is hog wash as the two platforms are total opposites.
I am a drag racing fan through and through, but if the two roles were reversed and Danica was in a fuel flopper and Ashley was in an Indy car or stock car, Ashley rise to the top would take longer than Danica's. Driving at 200mph with cars all around you is a lot different than trying to get your car in a straight line
Danica (5th place in 2009) has received preferential treatment compared to the other sex yes, but she is way more marketable than say Ryan Briscoe (3rd in standings last year) Justin Wilson , Dan Wheldon , Hideki Mutoh and Graham Rahal. Even more so that any of the bigger name top ten drivers. She has earned her place she did well in the arca race, and she knows her role. She does not shy away for the sex sells aspect. She has a temper and probably thinks she is better than she really is but that is part of her shtick.
Ashley is a drag racing hierarchy for one reason, her father. Yes she has shown she has what is takes and I think she has the potential to be one of the best for the next decade or more. I like her admire her and commend her for how she has responded to critics and other likely jealous drivers.
Her resume is not what Danica's is yet.
Danica's success in circle racing and her exposure is no different than Jeff Gordon's or Jimmy Johnson's success and exposure compared to John Force’s. Not in the same league never going to be in the same league.
The only thing that we and the NHRA should be doing to expose our stars to more people is to actually promote or stars and what they can offer, instead of just looking for the next sponsor. If NHRA marketed the stars (and the female ones are the best place to start, cause I do not know a female driver in any of the four professional classes that is not hot, they are all smokin) to the masses, then maybe the sponsors would come.
Don't be bitter cause Danica is popular, or more in the media. She actually has earned much of her exposure (for good and not so good reasons).
To defend Ashley though, remember who was voted the hottest female in sport two years ago.
That in itself shows the dedication to drag racing, as I would bet that 90% of those who voted for her were DR fanns first and formost.
(based on all the girls shown I think is is one of the most beautiful regardless of the sport she is in though).
Dean
. I give both (ALL) ladies mad props for getting in a car, period. I just get insulted that DP feels the need to "strip" to get attention. AFH certainly leads the dignity class.
