Danica Patrick Reveals What It's Like to Race Against Boyfriend 'Every Weekend'

She has a few rules when driving alongside Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

ByABC News
April 2, 2014, 12:26 PM
NASCAR drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick arrive at the American Country Awards 2013, Dec. 10, 2013, in Las Vegas.
NASCAR drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick arrive at the American Country Awards 2013, Dec. 10, 2013, in Las Vegas.
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

April 2, 2014— -- Not many people get to compete professionally against their significant other -- especially in an elite sport like race car driving.

But Danica Patrick knows what it's like, for better or worse.

Patrick told ABC News she races against boyfriend and fellow driver Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. "every weekend."

"We competed against each other before we were together," she said. "Part of it is just kind of normal, but I suppose, I'm a little bit more careful now."

Patrick added, "You don't want to go home to the 'Why'd you crash me' thing, which we both have done, unfortunately. Not on purpose, but cutting it too close."

See: Danica Patrick and the Women of NASCAR

One thing the couple is allowed to do is "talk trash" even though she said it's not something they do often.

"Dishing it out on the track, that's the problem," she said.

Patrick spoke to ABC to promote the new Can-Am Spyder, something new for the racing star, since she admitted that she "never rode a mototrcycle" before.

"From the first time I got on one, it was fun," she said. "It's one of those things you jump on and you smile ... more exciting that jumping in a regular car."