The NFL awarded the 2010 Super Bowl — Super Bowl XLIV — to Miami and the championship game will be played February 7, 2010 at Dolphin Stadium. It is the 10th time the city, who last hosted in 2007, will play host to the championship event. Some think that it is Florida’s weather that is the real winner, and I certainly can’t argue with that. The fact that Tampa just hosted the 2009 Super Bowl, pretty much confirms Florida as a “super” location in my mind.

Super Bowl XLIV FAQs

Miami Is Hosting the 2010 Championship Game

There are less than 100 days until Super Bowl XLIV. I’m sure many of you have questions regarding the championship game, so here are a few of them answered:

What is Super Bowl XLIV?
Each year, the National Football League (NFL) conducts a professional football championship game between the champions of the American Football Conderence (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The winning team is declared champions of the NFL and winners of the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

When will Super Bowl XLIV (44) be played?
February 7, 2010

Where will Super Bowl XLIV be played?
Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Editors Note: Through a sponsorship deal with Jimmy Buffet, Dolphin Stadium was renamed Land Shark Stadium through the 2009 NFL Season. The sponsorship deal does not include naming rights for the Pro Bowl or Super Bowl games scheduled for 2010.

What is the seating capacity for Dolphin Stadium?
75,540

How are Super Bowl tickets distributed?
The majority of Super Bowl tickets are distributed to the NFL teams, with each team receiving 17.5 percent of the tickets. The non-participating teams receive 1.2 percent; and, the host team — Miami Dolphins — will receive five percent. The remaining tickets are controlled by the NFL. It distributes those primarily to NFL affiliated companies, the broadcast network, corporate sponsors, media, charities, fans and the host committee. Only about one percent of the tickets go to fans. What fans? Lucky ones. The annual Super Bowl random drawing determines exactly which fans. Entries for the drawing will only accepted between February 1 and June 1, 2009. All entries must include name, address, phone number and email address, and must be sent via certified or registered mail. Potential recipients will be notified by mail in October or November.

Mail ticket requests to:

Super Bowl Random Drawing
P. O. Box 49140
Strongsville, OH 44149-0140

Only one request per address will be accepted. Duplicate requests will be ineligible. Those selected will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets.

How much are Super Bowl tickets?
Ticket prices have not been determined at this time, but historically are between $800 and $1000.

Which airport should I fly into?
If you will be traveling to Miami by plane, you have a choice of two major airports. Take a look at the pros and cons of Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, and find out which offers the cheapest flights. Click here more information on planning your trip to Miami for the Super Bowl.

Are volunteers needed for Super Bowl XLIV?
Yes. Volunteers — known as “Ambassadors” — are needed to welcome guests to the airport and hotels, assist with transportation and Super Bowl special events.

What do I need to do to volunteer for Super Bowl XLIV?
Volunteer positions are filling up quickly, so apply as soon as possible. You must be over 18 years of age by November, 2009 and provide proof with a valid driver’s license or state identification. All volunteers are required to attend at least one training session for the event(s) they have been assigned. Additionally, all volunteers must attend the general volunteer orientation in January, 2010.
| Volunteer Guidelines | Volunteer Application |

If I volunteer, will I get Super Bowl tickets?
No. Super Bowl tickets are not issued to volunteers and no volunteers will be placed in Dolphin Stadium on game day.

What television network will carry Super Bowl XLIV?
CBS

What radio network will carry Super Bowl XLIV?
CBS Radio

How many times has the Super Bowl been played in Miami?
February 7, 2010 will mark the 10th Super Bowl that has been played in Miami — in 1968 (II), 1969 (III), 1971 (V), 1976 (X), 1979 (XIII), 1989 (XXIII), 1995 (XXIX), 1999 (XXXIII), 2007 (XLI) and 2010 (XLIV).

Has it been played in other locations in Florida?
Yes. In Tampa — 1984 (XVIII), 1991 (XXV), 2001 (XXXV) and 2009 (XLIII) — and, in Jacksonville in 2005 (XXXIX).

Of course, the biggest question of all… who will be the two teams playing on February 7, 2010 still hasn’t been answered. Whatever teams play, you can be certain that Miami will uphold its reputation as a “super” Super Bowl site with pleasant weather and a variety of outdoor activities sure to please every visitor.

Updated: 29 December 2009

Team		Player	Comments:
	1.	DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska	Suh is unanimously considered the best player in the draft.
The Rams will be tempted to try and draft a franchise QB if they get the first pick, but passing on Suh would be a huge mistake. Suh might be the most dominant prospect to ever enter the NFL Draft. He is at the top of everyone’s Draft Value Board and was one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
	2.	DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (JR)	Very active and nice size (6′ 4″ 305 lbs), he can be a force on the inside.
Not on the same level as Nebraska’s Suh, but he will still be a top 10 pick for the 2010 NFL Draft.
	3.	S Eric Berry, Tennessee (JR)	Berry is the best safety to enter the draft since former Redskin’s Sean Taylor.
Eric Berry will be a Pro Bowl safety in the NFL. He has the talent to even play some cornerback if needed.
	4.	OT Russell Okung, OK State	Okung can come in right away and start at left tackle.
Okung is a mauler and has NFL size (6′ 5″ 303 lbs). He is by far the best tackle in a weak O-line class.
	5.	QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (JR)	Jason Campbell has lost confidence and his days in the nations capitol are over.
Clausen has NFL caliber size (6′ 3″ 217 lbs) and arm strength. Developed by offensive guru Charlie Weis and playing in a pro style offense will help him in the NFL.
	6.	QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma	Neither Brady Quinn nor Derek Anderson look like the answer at quarterback.
Bradford is the most accurate passer in college football. He would have likely been a top five pick if he would have entered the 2009 NFL Draft.
	7.	RB CJ Spiller, Clemson	Blazing fast, Spiller can also return kicks and punts and is a heck of a receiver.
Spiller brings Reggie Bush type skills to the Seahawks. A human highlight film, Spiller is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Spiller is the type of player you can build your offense around.
	8.	WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (JR)	Suspended for 2009 due to NCAA violations, he reportedly had contact with an agent and then lied about it.
Missing the season shouldn’t hurt him if he works out well at the NFL Scouting Combine. Reminds me of Terrell Owens, except he has better hands.
	9.	ILB Rolando McCLain, Alabama (JR)	McCLain (6′ 4″ 254 lbs) was a major force on the inside for the Tide.
For his size, his speed in unprecedented.The young McClain is fast and strong, he is one of the only linebackers that I have seen run down Florida QB Tim Tebow from behind.
	10.	CB Joe Haden, Florida (JR)	From Bears: Haden is a ball hawk and can also come up an make the spectacular tackle.
Haden (5′ 11″ 195 lbs) looks like the best corner in a very weak cornerback class.
	11.	OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers (JR)	This 6′ 5″ 322 pound offensive lineman is flying up the draft boards.
After he got healthy he started dominating his opponents this year. He could be a pro bowl right tackle for the 49ers. Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga might also be an option here if he decides to enter the 2010 NFL Draft early.
	12.	DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (JR)	Morgan (6′ 4″ 275 lbs), has recorded 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss (TFL) this year.
This is going to be a strong year for pass rushers and Morgan is as good as it gets.
	13.	DT Brian Price, UCLA	Price (6′ 2″ 300 lbs) has recorded an amazing 22.5 TFL and seven sacks this season.
Very strong, quick and disruptive on the inside. A true playmaker.
	14.	OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU	From Carolina: Hughes (6′ 2″ 258 lbs) has the talent to play end or linebacker.
His production over his career is the epitome of consistency. He played in 48 games and recorded 32 TFL (tackles for loss) and 27 sacks.
	15.	DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida (JR)	A perfect fit, at 6′ 6″ 257, he is a supreme pass rusher and has the ability to drop back into coverage.
This season, Pierre-Paul recorded 14.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. If Texas safety Earl Thomas (eligible sophomore) enters the draft early, look for him to go off the board here.
	16.	NT Terrence Cody, Alabama	Cody (6′ 5″ 365 lbs) is a monster on the inside and can dunk a basketball at his current weight.
Yes I know Cody is a little one dimensional, but as a two-down run stuffing nose tackle he is incredible.
	17.	DT Dan Williams, Tennessee	Very strong, athletic and disruptive. At 6′ 3″ 327 pounds Williams is a beast.
Williams is still improving and seems to get better each game, very athletic and has very good upside.

The offensive player of the year is Seantrel Henderson, an offensive tackle from Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul.

The defensive player of the year is Lamarcus Joyner, a defensive back from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale.

The coach of the year is Greg Toal, whose Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) team is No. 1 in the final rankings of USA TODAY.

All-USA First Team | All-USA Second Team

***

Offensive player of the year

SEANTREL HENDERSON

Offensive tackle for Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul

Ht: 6-8. Wt. 301.

Why him: Led his team to state title and was player of the year on the Associated Press’ all-state team. Despite his size, he’s remarkably agile and is one of the top basketball players in Minnesota. In the summer, he played on an AAU team with the No. 1 basketball recruit, Harrison Barnes.

Little-known fact: He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces even though he was born a month early.

Where next? Plans to announce on signing day Feb. 3. Has had official visits to Florida, Notre Dame, Southern California and Ohio State and unofficial visits to Minnesota and Iowa.

Recent read: “I just starting reading The Blind Side. I saw the movie first.”

How did you get into football? “I played Pee Wee for Folwell Park. I just played on the line. I played two years up because I was big.”

Football or basketball? “Basketball has always been my favorite sport. If I could play in the NBA, I would pick that over the NFL.”

On recruiting: “The hardest part is trying to keep up with recruiting and your other personal things, like school, friends and family. Trying to balance everything out is hard with time management. The best part is when you go on visits and get to do fun things and look at schools.”

Favorite musician: Drake (a Canadian rapper).

Best athlete to come out of your school: “Probably (Minnesota Twins catcher) Joe Mauer.”

Highlight: “Out of all the good athletes who went to our

***

Defensive player of the year

LAMARCUS JOYNER

Defensive back for St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale

Ht. 5-9. Wt. 175.

Why him: His athleticism and 4.3 speed for 40 yards made him a impact player on defense. Also ran for four TDs on 47 attempts, caught 16 passes for four TDs, and returned three kickoffs for TDs.

Why Florida State? “A lot of schools had a lot to offer. At the end, it was just my heart to go to FSU. Going there felt like a natural adjustment. On top of that, it was my dream school. I was always a Florida State fan growing up.”

Football start: “I started playing Pop Warner 110 (pounds) when I was 12 years old. Before that, I always played around the neighborhood. I didn’t come from a wealthy family. You have to pay for the shirt and all that and my mom, said, ‘Oh, no.’ One day, one of my friends from across the yard said that he would pay for it.”

How did you get the nickname Frank? “That came from Little League football, the first time I ever played. I was a hard hitter. They starting call me the beast. I would never wrap up. It was always a hard hit. They just started calling me Frankenstein.”

Season highlight: “Running back a kickoff against Byrnes.”

Favorite position: “Free safety.”

What player did you pretend to be when you were little? “I always felt like (Baltimore Ravens linebacker) Ray Lewis.”

On recruiting: “I just thank God because most guys in my shoes don’t have the opportunity to go to any D-I team in the nation. My least favorite part of it is all the coaches coming after you.”

After football: ” I want to major in journalism. I always wanted to be on TV. I love talking about sports, and I like talking with people.”

***

Coach of the year

GREG TOAL

Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J.

Age: 56

Family: Wife, Susan. Three sons, all of whom played college football. Brian and Greg played at Boston College and Mike at William & Mary.

Why him: His team went 12-0 to win its fourth consecutive state Non-Public, Group 4 title and finished No. 1 in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings. His record is 246-35-2 with 13 state titles, six at Don Bosco (he won state titles with two other teams).

Coaching philosophy: “The most important thing is the player-coach relationship. I have been blessed that I have a great coaching staff. I hire good guys, and I let them coach. As coaches, we’re also real good friends. We socialize together.”

Coaching influences: “The guy that really excited me was Jimmy Sharp at Virginia Tech (where Toal played). Looking back, we had a lot of great coaches on that staff —Danny Ford, Charlie Pell and others. I learned a lot about football and went from a guy who went to practice to a guy who couldn’t wait to go to practice. You have to have enthusiasm. (Sharp) used to talk to us every day about something about life, how to hold yourself accountable.”

What I’ll remember about this year’s team: “As soon as it was challenged, it responded. When they got behind, they immediately answered. That’s a sign of a great football team.”

Career highlight: “Going to De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), beating De La Salle there (in 2008), is something I’ll never forget. That put us in the national picture on their home field. Going to Prattville, Ala., this year was exciting because we were down 21-7 and came back to win.”

Favorite book:Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley.

***

First-team offense
Pos.	Player, ht., wt.	School, location	College	The skinny
ATH	Matt Elam, 6-0, 205	Dwyer, West Palm Beach, Fla.	Florida	Had 179 carries for 1,708 yards and 26 touchdowns, a 9.54 yards-per-carry average. As defensive back, had 66 tackles, two interceptions, four sacks, eight tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries
WR	Kyle Prater, 6-5, 205	Proviso West, Hillside, Ill.	Southern California	He had 64 receptions for 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns and led his team to the playoffs for the first time
WR	Darius White, 6-2, 205	Dunbar, Fort Worth	Undecided	Also a Division I basketball prospect, he had TDs on seven of his 20 catches this season
WR	Robert Woods, 6-1, 180	Junipero Serra, Gardena, Calif.	Southern California	Had 13 TD receptions and averaged 16 yards a catch. Also had eight interceptions. Runs a 4.4 40 and has a 33-inch vertical leap
QB	Jake Heaps, 6-2, 195	Skyline, Sammamish, Wash.	Brigham Young	Led his team to third consecutive state title, completing 213 of 352 passes for 3,191 yards and 45 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Had four TD passes in state title game. Was 14-0 in postseason games
RB	Marcus Lattimore, 6-0, 210	Byrnes, Duncan, S.C.	Undecided	Ran for 1,905 yards and 31 TDs and had 53 catches for 751 yards and five TDs
RB	Lache Seastrunk, 5-11, 192	Temple, Texas	Undecided	Averaging only 16 carries a game, speedster ran for 1,174 yards in 10 games, including 305 in his final game. He also had 15 total TDs
L	James Hurst, 6-5, 284	Plainfield, Ind.	North Carolina	Conference player of year will play alongside brother Nelson in Chapel Hill.
L	Matt James, 6-8, 290	St. Xavier, Cincinnati	Undecided	All-State player already has NFL size, strength.
L	Christian Lombard, 6-5, 290	Fremd, Palatine, Ill.	Notre Dame	He had 48 pancake blocks
K	Kip Smith, 6-0, 200	Legacy, Broomfield, Colo.	UCLA	Made eight of 12 FGs, including a state-record 67-yarder. Also made 27 of 28 PATs

First-team defense
Pos.	Player, ht., wt.	School, location	College	The skinny
L	Sharrif Floyd, 6-3, 310	Washington, Philadelphia	Undecided	50 tackles, nine sacks and 28 tackles for loss. Blocked four punts and a field goal, knocked down six passes
L	Jackson Jeffcoat, 6-5, 230	Plano (Texas) West	Undecided	67 solo tackles, 20 assists, 11 tackles for loss, 22 QB pressures, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions, two blocked kicks
L	Ronald Powell, 6-4, 230	Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley, Calif.	Undecided	Can also play linebacker, running back or tight end. Runs a 4.6 40
L	Jacques Smith, 6-3, 225	Ooltewah, Tenn.	Tennessee	State’s Mr. Football for second consecutive season. Had 57.5 tackles, 8.5 sacks
L	Brandon Willis, 6-3, 255	Byrnes, Duncan, S.C.	Tennessee	Had 125 tackles with 11 sacks
LB	Jordan Hicks, 6-2, 220	Lakota West, West Chester, Ohio	Undecided	95 tackles in 10 games, including 65 solos and 13 for loss. Earned Butkus Award as top high school linebacker
LB	Jeff Luc, 6-1, 230	Treasure Coast, New Port Richey, Fla.	Florida State	103 tackles, including 80 solos, 14 for loss, two sacks. Forced three fumbles and knocked down four passes
LB	Chris Martin, 6-4, 240	Grandview, Aurora, Colo.	California	Had 69 tackles, including 34 solo, 12 QB pressures and six sacks, including two solo. Also ran for four TDs as a RB and caught seven passes as a WR
DB	Tony Jefferson, 6-0, 196	East Lake, Chula Vista, Calif.	Oklahoma	Led team to first CIF San Diego Section title. Two interceptions, 51 total tackles, including 40 solos. Also rushed for 1,991 yards
DB	DeMarcus Milliner, 6-2, 180	Stanhope Elmore, Millbrook, Ala.	Alabama	Had 71 tackles and three interceptions
DB	Alec Ogletree, 6-3, 210	Newnan, Ga.	Georgia	All-around athlete led team to state semifinals. His twin Alexander is also headed to Athens

***

Second-team offense
Pos.	Player	School, location	Ht., wt.	College choice
ATH	Demarco Cobbs	Tulsa Central	6-1, 200	Texas
WR	Chris Dunkley	Pahokee, Fla.	5-10, 164	Undecided
WR	Keenan Allen	Northern Guilford, Greensboro, N.C.	6-3, 195	Alabama
TE	C.J. Fiedorowicz	Johnsburg, Ill.	6-7, 240	Iowa
TE	Xavier Grimble	Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas	6-6, 245	USC
L	Robert Crisp	Athens Drive, Raleigh, N.C.	6-7, 299	N.C. State
L	Jake Matthews	Elkins, Missouri City, Texas	6-5, 275	Texas A&M
L	Ian Silberman	Fleming Island, Orange Park, Fla.	6-5, 256	Florida
RB	Malcolm Jones	Oaks Christian, Westlake Village, Calif.	6-1, 210	UCLA
RB	Herschel Sims	Abilene, Texas	5-10, 190	Undecided
QB	Phillip Sims	Oscar Smith, Chesapeake, Va.	6-2, 215	Alabama
K	Cody Parkey	Jupiter, Fla.	6-2, 195	Auburn

Second-team defense
Pos.	Player	School, location	Ht., wt.
L	William Gholston	Southeastern, Detroit	6-7, 250	Michigan State
L	Corey Miller	Byrnes, Duncan, S.C.	6-4, 227	Tennessee
L	Reggie Wilson	Haltom, Haltom City, Texas	6-4, 240	Texas
L	Owamagbe Odighizuwa	David Douglas, Portland, Ore.	6-3, 245	Undecided
LB	Steele Devitto	Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J.	6-2, 214	Boston College
LB	Khairi Fortt	Stamford, Conn.	6-2, 220	Penn State
LB	James Wilder Jr.*	Plant, Tampa	6-2, 223
DB	Cody Riggs	St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale	5-8, 154	Florida
DB	Demar Dorsey	Boyd Anderson, Fort Lauderdale	6-1, 180	Florida
DB	Sean Parker	Narbonne, Harbor City, Calif.	5-10, 185	Undecided
DB	Latwan Anderson	Glenville, Cleveland	5-11, 185	Undecided
ATH	DeAnthony Thomas*	Crenshaw, Los Angeles	5-11, 185

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Danica, meet Dale. Welcome to a world where a driver races on national television every week, fans are renowned for fervent brand loyalty and Fortune 500 sponsors remain plentiful despite the economic downturn.

The NASCAR marriage of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the most popular driver, and Danica Patrick, IndyCar’s transcendent queen, is as much about perfect timing as gargantuan personalities. NASCAR, plagued by lagging TV ratings and crowds, gets a popularity jolt, and Patrick gains millions of eyeballs to dazzle with her emerging brand as “a beautiful revolution.”

It could be an ideal union — where one completes the other.

“She could be awesome for our sport,” says Earnhardt, whose team would have virtually no sponsorship absent Patrick.

“I’ve always been lucky enough to thrive under pressure,” Patrick told USA TODAY after last week’s announcement. “… I hope to kick butt right away.”

Patrick, who last year became the first woman to win an oval race in a national series and has the highest finish and only laps led by a woman in the Indianapolis 500, is attempting a crossover to bulky, full-fendered stock cars from nimble, open-wheel vehicles. It’s a shift that’s been daunting for more accomplished drivers, the last being two-time IndyCar champ Dario Franchitti.

But in making a part-time move to the second-tier Nationwide Series for likely a dozen races (while continuing full time in IndyCar with Andretti Autosport), Patrick joins a circuit whose ratings, though smaller than the premier Sprint Cup Series, dwarf IndyCar. Nationwide races are on ESPN, while IndyCar moved most of its races to Versus last year. She also will be driving for JR Motorsports (co-owned by Earnhardt and his sister Kelley), which receives engines and technology from Hendrick Motorsports, which has won four consecutive Sprint Cup titles with Jimmie Johnson.

The challenge starts this weekend for Patrick, who will test a Chevy at Daytona International Speedway for a debut in minor-league ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) on Feb. 6.

That debut comes the day before she appears in two Super Bowl ads, the hallowed ground that once belonged to Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon in NASCAR.

It’s coming at the right time for Patrick, 27, who is mapping out a career after racing. This year she turned her business and racing affairs over to IMG, a global sports-marketing behemoth that works with athletes such as Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning to build a portfolio of lucrative endorsements and ancillary product lines. IMG already has hooked Patrick a deal with Mattel.

Though sponsor GoDaddy.com likely will market Patrick with edgy commercials counter to the more staid corporate image projected by Cup drivers, NASCAR could mark “a great platform for Danica,” IMG President George Pyne says.

The upside is high both ways.

“They can position her as girl next door, a woman in a man’s world, a competitor with a temper,” says William Sutton, a professor of sports management at the University of Central Florida. “She’ll be a huge personality.”

A hero for female fans

As Kelley Earnhardt hammered out Patrick’s contract, her daughter, Kayson, caught wind and got excited. Not because Patrick was a driver, but because Patrick was in a “Got Milk!” ad from a Miley Cyrus magazine owned by Kayson, 9.

“For my daughter’s age, it’s inherent nature women aren’t supposed to be as competitive,” Earnhardt says. “I see a role model in Danica. Young females could gravitate to that.”

According to NASCAR fan demographics, 40% are women, and Patrick offers plenty beyond the wheel. “Danica For Her” perfume will be launched next spring, and Patrick’s likeness has been used with a Barbie doll.

“I embrace that role,” says Patrick, whose long-term goals include a clothing line. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing kids excited to meet you because they’re just so pure.”

Patrick concedes her on-track persona can be less than ladylike. She has stomped away after running out of gas and hasn’t backed down from tiffs, slapping one driver (Jaques Lazier) and smacking another’s helmet (Rafael Matos). “I have a lot of passion that could be perceived as temper,” she says.

Such emotion is welcomed in NASCAR, which has been encouraging drivers to express themselves after complaints the sport has been whitewashed by sponsor-driven political correctness. Sutton says Patrick could “fill that void … because she gets upset she doesn’t win, and sports fans relate to that.”

Lesa France Kennedy, a member of NASCAR’s board of directors, says Patrick has a competitive fire “that’ll broaden our fan base. She’s dynamic, interesting and very, very bright. She’d be a head turner.”

Earnhardt, who drives for Hendrick, suggests Patrick’s entry into NASCAR’s conservative environs might mean sponsors “change up their marketing. Some of that stuff is a little crazy.” In commercials for Boost Mobile and GoDaddy, Patrick has been surrounded by scantily clad men and women (some ads were relegated to the Internet). She says the new Super Bowl ads play off her “as the strait-laced one put out by these crazy girls. … I’m not very funny, but I like to pretend I am. It’s part of my brand.”

Patrick has several personal endorsements (including watchmaker Tissot, Peak antifreeze and Kaenon sunglasses), and experts say NASCAR could build her marketing portfolio. “GoDaddy has an edge, and she’s very feminine,” Sutton says. “That balance is interesting.”

Pyne, NASCAR’s former chief operating officer, says IMG views Patrick’s move as “an endorsement of NASCAR … because it offers enormous opportunities” through its larger audience. In the Davie Brown Index, which measures a celebrity’s ability to influence consumer behavior, Patrick is ranked third among drivers. She trails Gordon and Earnhardt because of a lower awareness score. “Her awareness will go up considerably in the initial year,” says Mike Mooney, vice president of Millsport Motorsports, an agency that helps produce the DBI. “After that, performance is the litmus test in NASCAR.”

What’s on the track matters

And therein lie the risks: if Patrick fails, her and Earnhardt’s brands could be damaged. Says David Carter, executive director of the University of Southern California’s Sports Business Institute: “If they hang her out in the window, she has to do her part, or it’s detrimental to both.”

While considering NASCAR last summer, Patrick had dinner at the Charlotte-area home of IMG’s Mark Dyer with ESPN analysts Ray Evernham (three championships as Gordon’s crew chief) and Rusty Wallace (1989 champion), whom Patrick peppered with questions. Dyer toured several NASCAR shops with Patrick.

Her decision to hop between two different cars (stock cars are twice as heavy but have skinnier tires and less braking) has drawn skepticism, perhaps most notably from Juan Pablo Montoya, a former Indy 500 winner who needed three seasons to become a NASCAR contender.

“There’s no doubt about her abilities,” SpeedTV.com analyst Robin Miller says. “This is something you can’t do part time.”

Says Fox analyst Darrell Waltrip: “Stock cars are like wrestling bears. They’re not precise and quick-responding like IndyCar.”

Patrick joins a team whose Chevys had four Nationwide wins in ‘09 and finished third in the standings. She could be tutored by Hendrick drivers Gordon, Johnson and Mark Martin, whose Go Daddy-sponsored car is a likely destination if she moves to Cup when her IndyCar deal is up after 2011. (Patrick says, “It’d be nice to have as an option.”)

For now, her part-time gig will provide a significant test for two of racing’s biggest names. “(Kelley’s) got a very competitive team, so that’s why I wanted to do it,” Patrick says. “It’s really about giving me the opportunity to perform. The very famous last name is the icing.”