Stenhouse shines on track with 2nd-place finish

By Jenna Fryer, AP Auto Racing Writer

Posted 6:17PM on Tuesday 18th March 2014 ( 10 years ago )

CHARLOTTE, NC - During the long rain delay at Bristol Motor Speedway, Danica Patrick encouraged the broadcast team to interview her boyfriend.

The Fox Sports team had requested a few moments of time on live television with Patrick, and she wanted Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to receive the same attention.

He got some air time after the commercial break. And he got some more in the closing laps of Sunday night's race when he grabbed a career-best second-place finish.

Although he's a two-time Nationwide Series champion and the more accomplished driver in NASCAR's most prolific romance, Stenhouse is largely recognized outside of racing circles for being Patrick's boyfriend. More finishes like Sunday's could help him change the conversation.

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. (17) races against his girlfriend, Danica Patrick (10) in a recent race. Stenhouse turned in a second place finish Sunday night at Bristol. / Photo: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

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