The many Danica Patrick fans should pay close attention this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. It could be her last appearance at the track as a NASCAR driver.

Patrick goes into the Monster Energy Cup AAA Texas 500 on Sunday without a ride for next year after ending a relationship with Stewart Haas Racing. She is the highest-profile member of a group of veteran drivers who are being squeezed as teams rein in costs and the pool of sponsors shrinks.

Matt Kenseth, the Cup champion in 2003, is out at Joe Gibbs Racing after the season. Kurt Busch, the Cup champion in 2004, is in limbo with SHR.

Kasey Kahne dropped down from the well-heeled Hendrick Motorsports operation to the one-car team of Leavine Family Racing. Greg Biffle, who has 19 career Cup wins, never found a ride this season.

They are being replaced either by younger and less expensive drivers or not at all. SHR may shut down Patrick's No. 10 Ford next season.

"What you're looking at is not necessarily the free-agent market being tight and nowhere to go," Patrick said. "It really falls back on money. That's what it comes down to. There's a spot for everyone if there is enough money."

If Patrick does not find a spot for next season, it will continue the recent trend of popular racers departing NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart will all be in retirement when next season begins.

Patrick has not had a top-five finish in five seasons with SHR, but she attracted a large fan base because of her story: a trail-blazing female driver in a heavily male world. Patrick said "inspiring kids and adults ... the effect you can have on a large group of people'' has been her proudest accomplishment in NASCAR.

"Look at all the fans she's brought into the sport,'' said Stewart, a former teammate and co-owner of SHR. "It's not just female fans. I have friends who always want to know how she's doing. She's made a huge impact on this sport."

Patrick had sponsorship problems this season when her primary backer was unable to meet its financial commitment. SHR patched together enough backing to get her to the finish.

The sponsorship headache added to a difficult season. Patrick has only one top-10 finish and has been involved in a career-high nine crashes, including in three of the last four races.

Patrick's time with SHR opened with promise. She started from the pole in the 2013 Daytona 500 and finished eighth.

That was one of only seven top-10 finishes in 176 starts with SHR. Patrick's average finish with SHR is 23.8.

Stewart protested that Patrick has been judged too harshly throughout her NASCAR career. Stewart praised Patrick for her diligence and toughness, for refusing to back down.

"From Day One, she's done a great job with little experience in a heavier car," Stewart said.

Stewart said Patrick has more options than any other driver. She could stay in NASCAR, return to the Verizon IndyCar series or go full time in road racing.

Or Patrick could concentrate on her career as a rising entrepreneur. She is involved in multiple business ventures, ranging from clothing to wine.

"I work hard and have good people around me and who believe in me," Patrick said. "Great opportunities, but the most important thing is not what can I do, what is it I want to do? You've got to love what you're doing and have your whole heart in it."

Twitter: @gfraley

Patrick's performances with SHR