Danny Benedict Scores the Biggest Win of His Racing Career…So Far
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
They might not readily admit it, but every racer has a list. They’ve compiled a chart with the events they’d like to win before their career is finished. Some are bold enough to write it down, but most just keep it in the back of their mind. Just days after celebrating his 21st birthday, Danny Benedict put a check mark alongside one of the races on his list, as the Orono, Ontario youngster claimed his first-ever Late Model victory – Sunday, September 24th – with a Velocity 250 win at Sunset Speedway.
Nearing the end of just his second season in the headline NASCAR Whelen Weekly Racing division and his first year at the controls of the new Shaw Chassis, Benedict took the green flag from the 6th starting spot in one of the marquee events at the popular Toronto area oval. It wasn’t long before he was able to settle-into a rhythm and turn in a performance on the race track that was nearly as hot as the early-fall temperature settings.
“The car felt great right out of the box,” Benedict said. “I didn’t have any expectations for how the race might end-up. It’s always been our team’s approach to take things in stride and let them fall into place. Pushing the car too hard in a long race doesn’t do anyone any favours.”
The young speedster – whose career has advanced through the go-karting and Mini Stock ranks – says the car stayed the same through the entire 75 lap distance, as he moved into the lead with 60 circuits on the scoreboard. From there, he tried to keep his focus and concentrate on the big prize. With the combination of heat and humidity, another issue was saving the tires. Benedict says that as long as he was able to turn some consistent laps and hit his marks, it was going to be a good run. At the end of the day, everything just came together.
“It was a great experience and want to thank everyone for their help and support,” the driver said. “So many people have pitched-in to lend a hand throughout the year, I’d be worried about leaving someone out if I tried to name them all. Winning any race – especially one this big – is a total team effort.”
The 2017 season for Danny Benedict’s #54 Late Model is proudly supported by GTA Race Design, Hoy’s Garage, B & W Enterprises, Mark Rainford Auto Sales, Shaw Chassis, Thinkpath Design, Dan McHattie Race Cars, L & H Mobile RV, Baudo Automotive Limited, Mayhew Graphics, Irwin Tax Services and Clarke Motorsports Communications.
Photo attachment: Ashley McCubbin,
www.shorttrackmusings.com His first Late Model feature win was also the biggest of his career, as Danny Benedict (#54) claimed the 75 lap Velocity checkered flag – Sunday, September 24th – at Sunset Speedway
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