Motor Racing
7 March, 2025
Smith ranked second in state
Clear Lake farmer and race driver Danny Smith is now the State's number two ranked Unlimited Sedan race driver, having finished second at Blue Ribbon Raceway in Horsham in the recent Victorian title for the class, held on Saturday, February 1. He could not be any prouder.
Danny and the host club worked hard behind the scenes to put together a night of racing that included two Victorian titles, which requires a lot of effort.
Danny, from last season, was keen to ensure the event's success and was part of the process that saw the Victorian Speedway Council award the Horsham club the title.
There is a tremendous upside to Unlimited Sedans as a way to bring eight-cylinder sedan racing to clubs on a regular basis. With support from Horsham, where they started three seasons ago with one car registered in Horsham, they now have two. More importantly, they have drivers from Geelong and Ballarat prepared to come to Horsham to go racing.
Danny previously placed in the top three at a title; however, the record does not state this, and despite overwhelming evidence, officials would not change the result.
Well, all that is forgotten now. Not only did Danny officially get on the podium, but he also moved one position higher than last time, taking second place.
“This means so much to Suzie (His wife) and I," Smith said.
"We work hard mostly seven days a week. We put a significant effort into our racing so that we can travel together, meet new people, and have fun. Whilst it is a hobby, everybody likes to be rewarded for challenging work, and we feel right now that we have earned what we deserve.
"Others deserve such accolades, and we hope their day will come too. We have had so many people reach out to us and congratulate us and want to talk about the result. There is so much more than just racing; we appreciate everybody who makes contact with or supports us."
Mostly Oats and Barely farmers, with lots of diversity to their business, including some equipment for hire, Wool and Meat along with Hay in bulk or bale at Warren Downs farm.
On race night Danny won his first heat race of three by just over half a second, before finishing in fourth in his second heat race with the eventual title winner Trent Susol up ahead. Once again Danny finished fourth in his final qualifier.
In the title race, Danny started on the third row of qualifiers, dropping back a couple of spots on the first lap as three competitors flew past and a driver ahead dropped out of the race.
On lap eight, Danny passed one of his competitors, as another ahead of him dropped out of the race, moving Danny to fifth spot.
A lap later Danny was in fourth spot with Nathan Lightburn from Echuca, the driver he needed to pass to get onto the podium. It took until lap twelve for Danny to move to third with just Anthony McKean and Trent Susol ahead of him.
McKean’s race ended on lap twenty-one as his car sat stricken in the infield. Danny was now second, Susol well ahead of him, and Lightburn was still behind him.
Finally, the chequered flag unfurled, and Danny was instantly ecstatic to be on the podium at his home racetrack in front of people who had contributed to his racing.
“We have so much local support and we always thank them on our social media
pages where we can mention their business names," Smith said.
"However, Ross and Leanne Douglas, we thank them for supporting us as a team and supporting the title event.
"Speedway is a community and importantly mostly family activity. It is important for people to get out and enjoy life and Ross and Leanne contribute to that happening.”
WORDS BY DEAN THOMPSON
