Don't get your hopes up for a surprise visit to the Indy 500 by Danica Patrick in 2012, but a return to one of racing's biggest stages in the future would be a great move for the sport's most well-known icon.В  Patrick has gained even more fame in the sport as she's in her first year as a full-time NASCAR participant. But perhaps the worst consequence to her decision to leave IndyCar is missing ...

Andretti Autosport isn't lamenting the loss of Danica Patrick to NASCAR.

Andretti team handles loss of star to NASCAR

Instead of facing a relatively routine 500 miles on Sunday afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fan- and media-favorite Danica Patrick faces 900 miles on Saturday and Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The world's most famous race turned Danica Patrick into the most famous woman in racing.

SPEEDWAY, Ind. - The sign, nearly as long as a semi-trailer, was direct. In one word, it told the ubiquitous story present for every Indianapolis 500 dating to 2005.

For the caller who keeps downing Danica Patrick: Remember, 43 drivers start each race and only 10 or 12 are capable of winning. So the rest of these guys aren't diamonds either. They're just there to fill up the field.

When Danica Patrick caught parts of Indianapolis 500 qualifying on television last weekend, she couldn't help but think about how she might be faring if she were still competing in the event that defined her for seven years.

The world's most famous race turned Danica Patrick into the most famous woman in racing.

Former Indycar driver has turned to NASCAR, says she’s where she wants to be