The “Danica Debate” in Indianapolis

She’s having the worst IRL season of her career. She got booed during qualifying runs at the Indy 500. Perhaps worst of all, The TrogloPundit (unofficial blogger of Danica Patrick Racing) seems to be doing more Haydenblogging than Danicablogging.

The question on everyone’s mind: what’s going on with Danica Patrick? And can she turn it around?

The debate has hardly made a dent in her image to this point. In fact, Patrick’s top-10 finishes in the Indianapolis 500 have helped her brand, and her sex appeal has brought a ton of eyeballs to her sport. Just look at the 33-percent ratings jump last February when Danica made her NASCAR debut.

Not to mention: she’s still the biggest draw in Indy, despite her recent setbacks.

But after a brutal start to the year and a tempestuous rant following a bad qualifying run for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, the Danica debate might be entering a perilous new place – her own team.

“She’s overworked right now,” said Michael Andretti, Patrick’s IndyCar boss. “She’s pulled in every direction. In some ways, it’s not helpful. No human can do what she’s been doing.”

Andretti didn’t hesitate to name a culprit: IMG – the global sports management giant Tiger Woods trusts to cultivate his brand.

“Since she joined IMG, her schedule has tripled,” Andretti said. “Up until then, she was fine.”

Exxon. Enron. Blackwater. IMG. I demand Congressional hearings.

The race starts a little after 1 pm today. Danica’s in the 8th row.