TJ Patrick is looking for a replacement for his daughter.
Patrick is not actually looking to replace Danica Patrick as his blood relation, but would love to find NASCAR’s next big talent.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Patrick has started a new go-kart racing team with the purpose of discovering and nurturing new drivers. He is well acquainted with this path to prosperity because it is how he and his wife Bev brought Danica through the ranks.
“We just want to help kids and get them up to speed by showing the tricks we showed Danica,” Patrick told the News-Journal. “Hopefully it pans out in the long run for them.”
Patrick did not move directly into NASCAR. Her path led her through the IndyCar ranks where she won a race in Motegi, Japan in 2008.
The entry list for the event numbers well into the hundreds and is one of many paths to professional racing. The World Karting Association is also competing on a 3.56-mile road course for which drivers earn national points.
Patrick has entered a kart in the 0.75-mile infield sprint car course this week and will use the car to evaluate potential drivers.
He is not the only NASCAR connection that will participate in Daytona Kartweek. Chuck Gafrarar, who ran in the NASCAR’s Goody’s Dash series in the early 2000s has entered his 7-year-old son Caleb on the same 0.75-mile infield sprint course.
Follow: @FantasyRace
