Danica Patrick expected to run NASCAR again in ’11

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — JR Motorsports says it expects to field a Nationwide Series car again next season for Danica Patrick.

JRM co-owner Kelley Earnhardt says the team is waiting for the IndyCar schedule to be released before finalizing Patrick’s 2011 schedule.

Patrick signed on to drive 13 races in the Nationwide Series this year in JRM’s No. 7 Chevrolet. Her best finish of six starts so far has been 24th at Chicago last month.

Patrick’s average finish is about 30th. Earnhardt says Patrick is still adapting to stock cars.

Earnhardt also says her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr., will run between four and six Nationwide Series races next season in the No. 7.

Aric Almirola was signed this week to drive the team’s flagship No. 88.