Danica Patrick has brushed off Hall Famer Richard Petty's criticism. Speaking at Daytona 500 media day Thursday, Patrick says the seven-time champion is entitled to his opinion. She adds that good things could come from it.

Patrick says, "As I said the last time somebody said something that was not so positive for me, it spawns so many positive articles. I love the conversation that it creates in sport, and across the board it makes sports interesting. It makes life interesting when people have different perspectives, and that's fine with me."

Petty said last week that Patrick can only win a Sprint Cup race "if everybody else stayed home."

Petty, speaking at the Canadian Motorsports Expo in Toronto, also said Patrick gets attention because she's a woman, but added that publicity is good for NASCAR.

"If she'd have been a male, nobody would ever know if she'd showed up at a racetrack," Petty said. "This is a female deal that's driving her. There's nothing wrong with that, because that's good PR for me. More fans come out, people are more interested in it. She has helped to draw attention to the sport."

Patrick is back at Daytona International Speedway this week to begin her second full season at NASCAR's top level.

- Associated Press