As 17-year-old sprint car driver Darin Naida began his qualification run at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Ind., there was a sense something special might be in store.
The fourth-generation racer from Adrian, Mich., had been impressive during the four-night Maverick Mayhem series in June, and since that time he had notched a pair of feature victories at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Mich.
As soon as Naida streaked under Brian Hodde’s green flag, it was clear he was in kill mode. In a case of mission accomplished, Naida was the lone member of the 10-second club and the track record holder.
We are long past the time when teenage sprint car racers were a novelty. Not surprisingly, as the list of youthful competitors has grown some have clearly emerged from the pack as future stars of the sport. Some of these budding superstars have become household names among those who keep a close eye on sprint car and midget racing. Naida may be flying a bit under the radar, but every indication suggests that is about to change.
There are families where racing is in their blood, but even among this group the Naidas are an exceptional story. It begins with Darin’s great-grandfather William “Wild Bill” Naida, who earned his colorful nickname because of his exploits behind the wheel of a truck. Nonetheless, he wasn’t shy when he slid into a race car. He began his career in 1948 at the famed Ft. Miami Speedway just outside of Toledo and his chosen mount was a 1933 Ford.
THIS ARTICLE IS ACCESSIBLE TO INSIDERS ONLY…
SPEED SPORT Insider is the ad-free premium extension of SPEEDSPORT.com. Insider is dedicated to the best and brightest in motorsports journalism – created by the best writers, photographers and reporters in the business. From veteran Hall of Fame writers like Bones Bourcier, Dave Argabright, Pat Sullivan, Keith Waltz, Ralph Sheheen and Editor in Chief Mike Kerchner, to behind the scenes SPEED SPORT reporters like David Hoffman, Nathan Solomon and more.
By subscribing to Insider, you not only get exclusive access to this premium content, but you support the journalists that are vital to telling the stories that matter most. Subscriptions are just $5/mo or $44.95 for an entire year. View plans and details.
SPECIAL OFFER! Subscribe now with this link and save $5.00!
