Daytona 500 Qualifying: 3 Reasons Danica Patrick Didn't Deserve Automatic Bid

I'm not a Danica Patrick hater, but fair is fair; there is no way she deserved to receive an automatic bid into the Great American Race.

The deal negotiated by Patrick and Tommy Baldwin Racing was well within the rules, but here are three reasons why it was unfair and the rules need to change.

1. She Hasn't Earned Anything Yet

Beyond the Danica factor, no driver in their first Sprint Series race should receive an automatic bid into the Daytona 500. That would even be the case for drivers who have had much more successful careers than Patrick in other series.

Through 13-plus years of competitive driving, Patrick has one win and only 10 top-10 finishes. That is not a resume that screams shower me with automatic bids.

2. Too Much Power Amongst the Sponsors

NASCAR is driven by the big names, top sponsors and vehicle makers. This power move to put Patrick in Daytona 500 is spurred on by the clout of her sponsors and NASCAR's willingness to cash in on her presence.

Love her or hate her, she's a polarizing figure. People want to see her win or fail and I understand the appeal in that situation, but when she benefits from a rule like this, it leaves a bad taste in the mouths of fans.

Even her supporters want to see her earn her way and in this scenario, she did not.

3. What Message Does This Send?

A bad one. Just because there is a rule in place to allow something, doesn't make it right. In fact, Patrick's inclusion highlights the problem. 

Her bid without qualifying could have robbed a driver the opportunity to record a faster qualifying time than Patrick would have.

Inclusion does not in any way guarantee a win or even serious contention, but you certainly can't win or affect the outcome if you're not in the race. Whenever major sponsors, names, etc. are the beneficiaries of conference room deals, it will raise eyebrows.

It gives too much room for the type of speculation that no sports wants circling around it.

Hopefully Patrick races well and makes a good account of herself, so that this becomes a moot point. However, if she doesn't compete well then you will hear the "she shouldn't have been there anyway" chants, and rightfully so.