Speed Channel analyst Robin Miller recently said, "I don't think anyone in IndyCar thinks she's going to be [back]. We've been saying for 6 months that she's gone."
ESPN analyst Dale Jarrett thinks NASCAR would welcome Patrick.
"It would be great if she [joined NASCAR]," Jarrett, the 1999 Cup champion, said on a Tuesday conference call. "She has shown she has a lot of talent. I know she isn't probably having the season in Indy car that she would like, competing for wins. Maybe that will influence her.
"It would be great for our sport to have someone of her talent and persona."
Andy Petree, Jarrett's colleague and a former championship crew chief, also would greet Patrick, with one condition.
"I think she needs a full season in the Nationwide series, without any distractions," Petree said.
Who knows if Patrick can run up front in Cup races? Regardless, it would be fun watching her. Clearly, she would bring additional buzz to NASCAR.
ESPN changes
Starting with Sunday's Brickyard 400, Allen Bestwick is taking over as the lap-by-lap announcer for ESPN's Cup telecasts, replacing Marty Reid. Bestwick has previous experience with NBC and TNT anchoring NASCAR race telecasts. Recently, he has hosted "NASCAR Now" on ESPN2 and the prerace "NASCAR Countdown."
Reid will continue with ESPN calling Nationwide series and IndyCar races.
Referring to Bestwick, Rich Feinberg, ESPN's vice president motorsports/production, said, "It's the right time. He has a long history with NASCAR. It might be an area that he can bring a little extra. Marty remains a valued member of the team."
Nicole Briscoe moves into Bestwick's host's chair for "NASCAR Countdown." Briscoe has been the "NASCAR Now" host. She is married to Indy-car racer Ryan Briscoe.
Wait 'til next year
