We already know that Danica Patrick won't be joining Roush Fenway Racing next year to become teammates with her boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. But there still seems to be confusion as to why.
NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass answered a fan's question about the possibility by suggesting the team wouldn't want the two love-birds on the same team:
Roush Fenway president has repeatedly said they would never have both on the team.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 1, 2017
A few days later, he clarified that the reason Patrick wouldn't be joining RFR is that they don't have an open car to give her.
Saw Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark in the garage. He said Danica is not coming to RFR because they don't have a spot open. #nascar
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 4, 2017
In the span of those couple of days, though. Fans were not happy with the assertion that Danica could be passed over for a job because of who she is dating.
President of Roush Fenway Racing, Steve Newmark, talked about it on SiriusXM NASCAR:
AUDIO: @DanicaPatrick joining @roushfenway in 2018? Not so fast says @NewmarkRFR. They are committed/comfortable with two cars: pic.twitter.com/CusUPQeZYw
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 9, 2017
Newmark says he was getting a lot of flak over the tweet, with fans thinking he was being unfair and possibly sexist towards Patrick.
He clarified that the rumors of Danica coming to the team were indeed not true, but he clarified, again, that the reason was that there was no open ride. Not that he is being "archaic."
He even laid out the procedures he would take if he were considering putting the two drivers on the same team.
Related: Cup series team puts to rest rumor that Danica Patrick may be joining them
The rumors first started when KickinTheTires asked Danica if she might join Stenhouse, her answer was, in part, "Ha, ha, you never know, I mean, you know ..."
That's all it took for the Danica to Roush rumors started flying. Now we know the truth, but Danica's future is still up in the air.