On Saturday, racing superstar Danica Patrick wrecked in her third and final NASCAR race before she will head back to the IndyCar Series.
Patrick, who has had an unceremonious beginning to her NASCAR career, collided with Michael McDowell on lap 83 of this weekend’s Sam’s Town 300 Nationwide Series race.
After getting fresh tires, Patrick quickly caught up to McDowell’s slowing Dodge that had lost its rear end in a previous accident. Outside of turn one, Patrick tried to pass McDowell on the inside, but he drifted low into her path, causing her number 7 Chevy to wreck. The accident ended the day for both drivers.
“I tried to give the outside, I saw her coming into it and I closed the door,” said McDowell. “It was completely 100 percent my fault. I hate it for everyone at JR Motorsports. Like I said, I take 100 percent responsibility.”
The crash was especially unfortunate for Patrick, who was having her best race of the season and even found herself in third place after a strategic pit stop.
The media darling will now head to the IndyCar Series for four months before coming back to NASCAR for a few races at the end of the summer. Veteran driver Kevin Harvick took the checkered flag on Saturday after leading 83 of the 200 laps.