While her record on tracks of a mile or less stands at a modest 25.6, it's short sighted not to consider her stunning performance in Richmond. Not only did she finish in the top 16, but in doing so Driver 10 handily out drove championship contenders Kahne, Hamlin, Allmendinger, Biffle, Edwards and Kenseth. In addition, Patrick gained points in her entanglement with Stenhouse for the coveted 27th position in points.
The competition is tough. Undoubtedly she has the skill to win but it takes time. In open wheel, she won in her 50th attempt. Following that dominating victory, in the next 65 races she'd go on to score three more top three finishes before leaving the series for NASCAR.
She came close to championship eligibility this season, only missing by twelve positions on points. Now with that over and nothing to lose, Gibson can turn her loose on a track favoring pure driving talent over the quality of the GoDaddy machine. New Hampshire requires a wheel-woman and Patrick is there.