Why?

I don't understand Danica Patrick's decision to pose for the swimsuit issue.

Was her profile not high enough? Hasn't she repeated ad nauseum that all she wants to be known for is a racer?

First of all, I'd understand Danica's decision if there were other female athletes posing. (athletes' wives don't count) But she's the only one. And then, plastered across the front of SI.com next to Marisa Miller and another model. Danica is attractive, make no mistake, but does she really belong together with supermodels?

She's also running the severe risk of becoming "that girl" much like Anna Kournikova has become. She's got driving talent, there's no doubt about that, and as a staunch defender of Danica, I've contended for the last two years that it's just a matter of time before she wins a race, and last year was one giant round of bad luck after another.

But it's now put up or shut up time. In a depleted field with no Dario or Sam and another year in top notch equipment, Danica HAS to win a race this year. No buts about it. She doesn't win, her critics have every right to call her auto racing's Kournikova.

Of course, defenders may retort back with the stat that it takes the average IRL driver 30some races to win a race. Sorry, Danica should be better than average.

I don't care if it's about fuel strategy or if the leader wrecks on the last lap. She has to win. Plain and simple.

The decision to pose for FHM in 2002 makes sense. She was looking to be recognized, and certainly got that with the photo spread. But now, with this decision, she's established herself as a woman who poses in skimpy clothing who also drives fast cars. Not a race car driver who moonlights as a model.

Unless, of course, that's what she wants.