Charlotte (AP) – A person familiar with the plan says Danica Patrick has reached a deal to enter NASCAR with JR Motorsports.

Patrick will announce a partial Nationwide Series schedule at a news conference today in Phoenix, the person familiar with her plans tells The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because she has not officially announced her intentions.

Patrick's decision was welcomed by Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage.

"This is going to bring some excitement to those Nationwide Series races that she's running in," Gossage said. "It's a tall order, but she's a very talented driver."

TMS won't probably see an immediate boost from Patrick's decision. The April NASCAR race weekend at TMS coincides with an IndyCar Series race in California.