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Danica Patrick walks in the paddock prior to the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 8, 2022 in Miami, Florida.
Danica Patrick isn’t holding back when it comes to Jimmy Kimmel.
The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver made her stance on the late-night host clear this week, weighing in after a recent segment drew criticism from some viewers.
Kimmel’s monologue, tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, included jokes about former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump — comments that quickly sparked reaction online.
Patrick was among those who spoke out.
Patrick Shares Strong Reaction to Kimmel Segment
Patrick, who has become more vocal publicly in recent years, shared her reaction on social media, making it clear she strongly disagreed with Kimmel’s comments.
“Anger isn’t working for your jokes bud,” Patrick wrote on her Instagram Story.
She also reposted a statement criticizing the tone of the segment, amplifying broader backlash from critics of the late-night host.
Her response adds to an ongoing conversation surrounding the role of political humor in late-night television — and how audiences react to it.
A Shift in Patrick’s Public Voice
While Patrick built her career as one of the most recognizable drivers in motorsports, her public presence has evolved since stepping away from full-time competition.
She has increasingly engaged with topics beyond racing, often sharing her perspective directly with her audience across social media.
That shift has made moments like this more visible — and more widely discussed.
Why the Reaction Is Drawing Attention
Patrick’s comments are generating attention not just because of what she said, but because of who she is.
As one of the most high-profile figures to come out of NASCAR and IndyCar, her voice reaches beyond a traditional motorsports audience.
That crossover appeal has helped bring added visibility to her reaction.
This Isn’t Patrick’s First Political Moment
Patrick’s latest comments also fit into a broader pattern.
In recent years, the former NASCAR and IndyCar driver has increasingly stepped into political and cultural conversations, often sharing her views directly with her audience.
She has previously spoken publicly about political figures, including expressing support for Donald Trump, and has appeared at campaign-related events — moments that have drawn attention well beyond the motorsports world.
That crossover has made her one of the more visible former drivers when it comes to conversations outside of racing.
It also helps explain why her reaction to Kimmel is gaining traction.
When Patrick speaks on topics beyond sports, it tends to reach a wider audience — and often sparks discussion across both sports and mainstream media circles.
The Bigger Conversation
Kimmel’s segment has contributed to a broader debate about the boundaries of satire, particularly when it intersects with politics and public figures.
Late-night television has long incorporated political humor, but reactions to segments like this continue to vary widely.
Patrick’s comments reflect one perspective within that conversation — and highlight how quickly those reactions can spread.
Another Moment That Extends Beyond Racing
Patrick’s comments on Kimmel are the latest example of how quickly a single reaction can move beyond its original context.
What started as a late-night segment has turned into a broader conversation — one that now includes voices from outside the entertainment world.
And once again, Patrick has found herself at the center of it.
Maggie MacKenzie Maggie MacKenzie covers NASCAR for Heavy.com. She previously worked for NASCAR.com, where she reported, wrote, and edited race-weekend coverage and traveled to key events throughout the season. She has more than ten years of experience in sports media and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. More about Maggie MacKenzie
