Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick openly admitted to supporting Riley Gaines in her ongoing dispute with Olympian Simone Biles, particularly regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
On Instagram, the 43-year-old Patrick remarked, “There’s a shelf life to this problem. I really believe that common sense wins.” She expressed gratitude for advocates like Gaines, acknowledging that she has firsthand experience with these issues.
Patrick added, “Advocating for men in women’s sports is another discussion that feels somewhat irrational.” Her remarks came during a recent escalation between anti-trans activists and Gaines, in light of a conflict that arose on Friday.
The sparring began when Biles seemingly directed a tweet at Gaines amid a controversy over a transgender high school softball player’s exclusion from a Minnesota state championship game. Biles tweeted, “@riley_gaines_You’re really sick and it’s all about this campaign because you lost the race,” referencing Gaines’ tie in a previous race against a transgender swimmer.
Biles mentioned, “Straight losers. We should either find ways to lift the transgender community and make sports inclusive or create a pathway where they feel safe.” She later retorted, “Ironically, bully your own size that will become a man.”
In response, Gaines stated, “It’s not my job or women’s job to figure out how to include men in our space.” She referred to Biles’ history with former Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, indicating the chaos caused by one individual.
Gaines also pointed to Biles’ previous comments about competing with male athletes. Citing a 2017 tweet from Biles, she quipped, “When your past self completely undermines your current meaningless argument, don’t you hate it?”
In a somewhat surprising political note, Patrick revealed she voted for the first time in the last election, supporting Donald Trump. She shared her belief that voting was imperative, even joking about wanting to vote twice.
Patrick retired from racing in 2018 after competing in events like the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.
