Sales are down, attendance is off and ratings have slumped in NASCAR. Help, however, might be on the way wearing high-heeled shoes. Danica Patrick, a tiny tempest of personality, marketability and skill, is looking to move into NASCAR next season, creating a whirlwind of optimism for a sport that's desperately looking to get back on track. The sanctioning body has tried several ideas to stir interest. The first step was double-file restarts. Changes to the Car of Tomorrow are likely. And getting Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sport's most popular driver, back on track is another priority. Few argue that Patrick wouldn't be an instant fix, shooting television ratings into overdrive. Even if there are some old-school doubters.

"I just don't think it's a sport for women, and so far, it's proved out," said Richard Petty, a team owner and NASCAR's all-time leader in victories. "It's good for them to come in. It gives us a lot of publicity. It gives them publicity. But as far as being a real true racer, making a living out of it, it's kind of tough." -- Florida Times Union