Boss or boyfriend? Patrick understands why Stewart wanted to 'choke' Stenhouse for blocking

NASCAR drivers Danica Patrick, left, and Tony Stewart leave the garages at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., after tire testing at the track on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Pocono Record, Keith R. Stevenson) (The Associated Press)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto racing driver Danica Patrick talks to the media outside her hauler, Friday, May 31, 2013, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (The Associated Press)

Danica Patrick sides with her boss over her boyfriend.

Patrick laughed at the idea that Tony Stewart (her boss) wanted to choke Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (her boyfriend) for blocking in last week's race at Charlotte. In fact, she might have helped Stewart put his hands around Stenhouse's neck. Patrick had her race spoiled when she was wrecked by Stenhouse in their first on-track accident since they announced they were dating.

If Patrick felt caught in the middle of the boss-boyfriend squabble, she didn't show it Friday at Dover International Speedway.

Patrick says Stewart is only trying to help Stenhouse grow as a driver.