Patrick set for Ed Carpenter Racing drive at Indy 500

Danica Patrick looks set to line up for Ed Carpenter Racing at the 102nd Indianapolis 500 in May after a slip in her words in a NASCAR media event on Wednesday.

Patrick confirmed last November she would retire from racing following final appearances in NASCAR's Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 in May, with the latter marking her return to IndyCar competition after seven years away.

Patrick revealed earlier this week that she had a deal in place for the Indy 500, with an announcement set to follow her final NASCAR race this weekend, with sources indicating to Crash.net that a deal had been struck with Ed Carpenter Racing in the team's third car.

Speaking at a NASCAR media event at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, Patrick was asked about the transition back to IndyCar after seven years out of the series, only for a slip of the tongue to reveal more about her plans.

"I didn’t have time to meet up with Ed and the people," Patrick said, before adding: "Did I say that? Whoops...

"I’ve never done that in my career."

Team owner Ed Carpenter confirmed to the Indianapolis Star last week at Phoenix that "conversations have taken place and are taking place" with Patrick's representatives.

“We’ll see what happens," Carpenter added. "I know Daytona is coming up and I’m sure that’s her focus is there right now."

Patrick last entered the Indy 500 back in 2011 for Andretti Autosport, finishing 10th before turning her attention to NASCAR from 2012 onwards.