performance. Additionally, ABC and MTV ran television segments on Patrick in 1997.[18] This exposure led to her being hired by John Mecom Jr. (introduced to Patrick by St. James two years earlier) to compete in the United Kingdom racing circuit.[18][16] Patrick and her father visited Mecom's family, who agreed to sponsor her on the condition she was sent to a high-quality driving school for further refinement of her racing abilities.[11] She ended up attending three driving schools, including Tr