A group of NASCAR drivers discuss the accomplishments of Danica Patrick. USA TODAY Sports
CHARLOTTE — NASCAR’s fairy-tale romance apparently is over.
A spokeswoman for driver Danica Patrick confirmed to The Associated Press Monday that Patrick and driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have ended their five-year relationship.
Patrick and Stenhouse have been a couple since 2013, their first season as full-time drivers in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Their very public relationship made them an anomaly in motorsports – on-track competitors and off-track life partners.
Neither driver could be reached for comment Monday, and Patrick’s spokeswoman said the two had requested privacy.
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Patrick, 35, and Stenhouse, 30, remained a couple at least through mid-November, when Stenhouse attended an emotional Patrick press conference in which she announced her retirement from driving. Patrick is scheduled to end her racing career after participating in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 next season.
Stenhouse said after that press conference that he supported Patrick in her decision and that he was certain she would succeed in whatever endeavors she pursues post-racing.
Each year has its share of celebrity break-ups and 2017 was no different, with splits including Chris Pratt and Anna Faris, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor. AP
The first public indication that there might be issues between the two occurred when Stenhouse attended the Nov. 30 Cup awards ceremony in Las Vegas alone.
Patrick was married to Paul Hospenthal for seven years. They divorced in 2013.
Patrick, the most prominent woman to race in NASCAR, drove in the Cup Series for Stewart-Haas Racing but announced during the season that she would not return to the team for 2018. Later, she revealed the decision to end her career with a pair of races next year. She has no NASCAR victories.
Stenhouse, who drives for Roush Fenway Racing, scored the only two wins of his Cup career this season.
Gallery: Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
