"Pretty Intense" hits the shelves and finds lots of company.

Early reviews of Danica’s entry into the literary world?

So far, so good. Well, OK, I've only read one review, from a customer on Amazon, just after the book was released last week. But hey, it was better than getting out of the gate to a thumbs-down. The book is called “Pretty Intense,” and it centers on Danica Patrick’s three keys to improvement: Mind, body and food. Whatever she’s been doing has certainly worked for her in terms of physical conditioning, and could obviously work for others. The challenge, of course, is reaching customers. Walk down the fitness aisle at Barnes & Noble. She’s not hurting for competition in that genre.

What to do?

First, secure a team and car for the Daytona and Indy 500s, which was her stated plan for 2018 when announcing her retirement path back in November. Those two big races would provide promotional platforms. Without them, who knows if she has built enough of the all-important “brand equity” to successfully fuel her future endeavors. The racing career gave her visibility in real time, but is there an afterglow to utilize?

Did Kyle Larson miss a marketing memo?

Not sure, but we know his words won’t be used in any NASCAR ad campaign. On a World of Outlaws promotional podcast last week, Kyle basically said he’s in NASCAR because that’s where the money is for racers. The sprint cars, however, is where his heart is strapped in. “I’d say that racing on the World of Outlaws tour full-time is my main goal. NASCAR is just the step to get there.” Maybe he was just being overly nice to the Outlaws folks, but still, something are better left unsaid.

— Ken Willis, ken.willis@news-jrnl.com.