It’s been quite a few weeks for open-wheel racing, and for the first time in recent memory NASCAR took a back seat to its heretofore struggling motorsports rival.

First, the split that nearly ruined open-wheel racing ended as the Champ and IndyCar factions finally decided to quit feuding. Then Danica Patrick did more for open-wheelers in one day than either the IRL or Champ Car Series has done for itself in a decade by winning a race in Japan.

Forget the fact that the field she defeated is quite a bit weaker than in previous years as such drivers as Sam Hornish Jr. and Dario Franchitti now work in NASCAR. The victory takes her from being compared to Anna Kournikova to a totally different level. It proves she not only can compete with the big boys, she can whip them too.

Since her win, ticket sales for upcoming IndyCar events have skyrocketed, and you know potential sponsors have noticed. Those same sponsors, no doubt, are being courted by NASCAR. Now you see why NASCAR is taking notice.

Does this mean NASCAR owners are going to start throwing millions Patrick’s way? Probably not. Yet. But it’s a guarantee they’ve taken notice. It’s also a guarantee that NASCAR officials aren’t wild about the sudden publicity going the IRL’s way.