Patrick moves forward from sponsor drama

Danica Patrick called it a shock to everyone that a problem arose with Nature's Bakery during the first of a three-year deal.

Nature's Bakery attempted to terminate its relationship with Stewart-Haas Racing and Patrick in January, alleging she was endorsing competing products. Stewart-Haas fired back by suing the Nevada-based company for $31 million, alleging breach of contract by Nature's Bakery because they had stopped making payments. Nature's Bakery intends to file a counterclaim.

For 2017, Nature's Bakery was scheduled to be on Patrick's car for at least 20 races.

"Everything that was ever asked of me I did to the very best of my ability," Patrick said during Daytona 500 Media Day. "From my recollection, we had a great yoga event here at Daytona last year at this time. When there was something to do, we did it really, really well."

Patrick says she did not know Stewart-Haas and Nature's Bakery had been in discussions last year about payments.

When asked if it was concerning that a driver of her stature was having sponsorship problems, Patrick called the situation unique. She then reiterated tath she, Stewart-Haas Racing and Danica Racing "service our sponsors extremely well' and deliver when needed.

With Nature's Bakery gone, Patrick finds herself with increased support from Aspen Dental. After sponsoring Patrick in four races last year, the company announced an extension with Stewart-Haas to appear on the No. 10 for double-digit events this year starting with Sunday's Daytona 500.

Moving forward, Patrick says she's focused on the partners who have stepped up, including TaxAct and Code 3 Associates, who will be on Patrick's car's this for three races each this year.

"Aspen Dental being the most important one," Patrick said. "They consider themselves a small company, but they have almost 600 locations across the country, and they're growing fast. So, it's a perfect opportunity for them to step up and I appreciate that very much, but also to really expand their brand and to continue to grow. I go to Aspen Dental, and they do an incredible job. I just go for something simple, but they help a lot of people.

"It's a good situation, and they're a great company, and we're going to hopefully get a lot of return on their investment."