Darron Cummings / AP

Danica Patrick holds a hat given to her by a fan for her autograph before the traditional drivers meeting for Sunday's Indianapolis 500 on Saturday.

She's doing pretty good outside the car, as well.

Although the hoopla that accompanied her fourth-place finish as a rookie was a bit overwhelming, Patrick was ready for it this year.

She knew she'd be the center of attention after her victory in Japan, and she's done everything she can to capitalize. If that means getting up at the crack of dawn to labor through two hours of TV interviews, patiently answering the same questions over and over again, bring it on.

"For me, it's an opportunity you just can't pass up," Patrick said. "Of course, we do say no a lot. I can't do everything. But you do have to do a lot of stuff for yourself and your brand, and also for your sponsors. I've been fortunate to be exposed to this side of things since I was 13 or 14 years old. This isn't weird to me. It is not nerve-racking."

It does leave her drained at times, which explains why Patrick is a bit of a homebody when she does come across those rare moments that are all hers. But she's not about to pass up a chance to expose another potential fan — a.k.a another potential customer — to Danica Inc.

Just don't try to trip her up with a query about politics, or ask her to take a stand on some explosive social issue. Taking a cue from Woods, Patrick has decided it's best to shy away from subjects that might offend someone in her fan base.

"I have my own personal thoughts on some things. Some stuff, I don't really follow," she said. "I don't think there's any advantage whatsoever to talking about politics unless you feel so strongly about it and want to support it. Otherwise, you're just going to alienate a certain group of people."

So, while Fisher was endorsing Hillary Clinton before the recent Indiana primary, Patrick had other things on her agenda.

"I didn't follow politics ever," she conceded. "It was the only class in school I really almost didn't pass, the government side of things. I don't understand the branches and whatever. I was never interested in it. I do think I'm more interested now because the candidates are doing things for the younger generation, like going on 'Saturday Night Live' and stuff."

Patrick's fellow drivers have accepted she's always going to be the star of the show. They got their first sampling of it in '05, when she gobbled up the headlines even though someone else crossed the line first. (Quick, name the winner that year. Give up? It was Wheldon.)

"I really disagreed with it the first year," Kanaan said. "She finished fourth and got all the attention instead of Dan. Come on, he won the 500 from the 16th starting position."

No one's complaining now, at least not publicly. Just as Woods has made everyone on the PGA Tour a bit richer, Patrick is doing the same thing for IndyCar.

"Her popularity has helped to grow the sport," Wheldon said. "We would not be as strong without her."

Lady, start your engine.

You'll have 32 others along for the ride.