Patrick has modest goals in NASCAR return

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Danica Patrick can kick up her heels in style in her NASCAR return.

Patrick received a pair of Yves St. Laurent platform heels just for showing up to race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Track general manager Jerry Gappens gave the IndyCar driver the shoes as a gift for running in the Nationwide Series race.

Gappens said the shoes cost about $1,000. Small price to pay for the expected attendance spike Patrick’s presence will create for Saturday’s race.

On Friday, Patrick downplayed expectations for her first NASCAR second-tier race since February. She said a top-15 or a top-20 finish would be a success.

Patrick says she has to trust her instincts because it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a different series.

She did no better than 31st in three starts on the Nationwide Series in February.