Daytona 500 2012: Poor Finish Will Prove Danica Patrick Doesn't Belong in NASCAR

When Danica Patrick does not earn a good finish at the Daytona 500, it will further prove that she does not belong in the Sprint Cup full time—at least not yet.

There's no reason for Patrick to be in the Sprint Cup Series on a consistent basis when she isn't even one of the best IndyCar racers.

Patrick's recent success in the Nationwide Series proves that she has a future in stock car racing, but until she can put a few successful seasons in the Nationwide together, she shouldn't have a regular place in Sprint Cup races.

Sprint Cup is a different level of talent than the Nationwide Series, and it's certainly a tougher level to master than IndyCar racing.

Back in August, Dale Earnhardt Jr. talked about Patrick's transition to the Sprint Cup series, via the Charlotte Observer:

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While Patrick has made strides in NASCAR's Nationwide Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr., believes Patrick needs more time and experience in the second-level circuit before making the full-time leap to suiting up on Sundays. Earnhardt, co-owner of JR Motorsports, said he wants Patrick to run a full Nationwide schedule with his team.

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I understand she is one of the few prominent women in the sport of racing, but that doesn't mean she should rush to the Sprint Cup before she is ready to excel at that level consistently.

She should have to earn her place in the highest level of racing and not get the opportunity handed to her because she's famous.

The Nationwide Series is full of talented drivers who are far more qualified to be regular Sprint Cup participants than Patrick. When she fails to impress at Daytona this weekend, Patrick will prove she doesn't belong in the Sprint Cup Series right now.