By Ryan - Posted on December 30, 2009

When one thinks of NASCAR, several great names come to mind, including Rusty Wallace, Darrell Waltrip, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. As this exciting sport evolves, the news that female Indy racer, Danica Patrick will be gracing the track next season, reinforces the fact that NASCAR has come a long way. However, many people who follow the sport know that Patrick isn’t the first female racer to try her hand at NASCAR.

Kelley Earnhardt, the older sister to Dale Earnhardt Jr., actually tore up the track several years back, and managed to defeat her brother in the process a few times. She was tough, determined, and stubborn – essential ingredients required to succeed in this competitive sport.

Unfortunately, Kelley left her budding career for more pressing priorities, such as finishing college and entering the business world. For the last 8 years, she has been assisting her brother with the operation of JR Motorsports. Essentially, Kelley was the driving force that led the team to sign Patrick to a part-time contract in the Nationwide Series for the next 2 years.

Times have changed drastically since Kelley raced, and now; perhaps, Patrick will have a better chance and more opportunity than was presented to Kelley. Although she knows that the role she holds is where she belongs, Kelley does harbour regrets from time to time about parking her racing dream. It was a different time and a different era back then. If she were to enter the sport now, who knows how far she could have pushed herself.

Kelley doesn’t concern herself too often with these thoughts. Instead, she concentrates on grooming Patrick with her next career move. Being the first female driver with significant backing and support, Patrick just may be what NASCAR needs.

Danica Patrick possesses the same traits and characteristics as Kelley does. Perhaps, she can take the torch and carry it to a place that Kelley was unable to go and make history at the same time. If so, the road will be a long and tough one, with many obstacles in her path. NASCAR isn’t a sport that anyone can just leap into and expect to win right away. However, with Kelley Earnhardt behind her, anything is possible.