The new racing season is just about to kickoff. We at Danny Efland Racing can hardly wait! This is going to be an exciting year in Danny's career that will help establish him as an up and coming young driver.
The family Late Model Team made the decision over the winter to build a chassis instead of buying one as in the past. Danny, a college engineering student, has spent endless hours educating himself on race car set up over the years. Last year the old programing was replaced with 'state of the art' programs and the good people at Ortec Racing (formerly Laughlin Performance, Inc.) invited Danny in for hands on training on the new programs.
With in-house fabrication - abilities dating back to SCCA car construction of over 100 open wheel race cars and numerous SCCA National Championships left over from Danny's Dad's days - the first chassis took shape quickly.
The plans are to run the Late Model series at the new Dillon Motor Speedway, near 'South of the Border" off I-95 in South Carolina. Track tests begin in March with the first race set for March 29th. In 5 appearances at that track last year, Danny had 3 top fives and one race win, so he feels very comfortable there. Hopefully a second chassis will be copleted for some of the end of the year special races across the Southern states. Many good people and companies are helping with the effort.
The other news is that Danny will continue his presence in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (formally Busch) in 2008. Last year Dnny made 2 starts and one full effort at Dover with the help of 2 great sponsors - Accurate Manufacturing and Shred 360. A cut tire ended his day at Dover prematurely. He has been talking to Johnny Davis Motorsports about more opportunities this season.
As a result of last years efforts, NASCAR has qualified Danny to run on all but 8 tracks and has presented him a plan as to how to gain full qualification.
With very few exceptions the young drivers breaking into the major leagues of NASCAR, even in the development programs, are expected to bring either family money or sposorship. The only way for Danny to get in is through his driving reputation. Besides winning Late Model races Danny must also keep his status as a Nationwide Driver. He is prepared to atemtp as many NASCAR Nationwide races as possible in 2008.
Danny said "It is an honor to be even offered a team back-up car to start because that shows that at least that team owner thinks I can put the car in a very competative field!"
All of us at DER look forward to seeing you at the races - be sure to come by and say 'Hello'!