The watchword for 2022 is diversity and the overall goal is to be very busy.
“I will run most of the East Coast shows,” Danner says, “but we are also going to hit some of the bigger USAC National shows like Indiana Sprint Week, Kokomo Smackdown, obviously, the Eastern Storm when USAC comes out, and I would also like to race at Eldora and Terre Haute.”
That‘s not all. Adding to his list, Danner says he wants to race as much with a wing as he can, certainly with URC, and he would also be interested in slapping in a 410 and taking on Williams Grove and Port Royal.
“We like to get a lot done. Billy Pauch Jr. told me at the end of last year that you must pick one thing or another or you are going to screw yourself up and be mediocre,” Danner said. “I have always felt that anytime you can get in a seat of a car you are going to learn something and that will make you better in the long run.”
Michael is in a unique spot. The USAC East Coast series is his baby and he spends a great deal of time growing his product, trying to book dates and attract sponsors. He doesn‘t want to lose any talented young driver.
However, he has a primary responsibility as a series director and a principal on a race team to develop young drivers and help them get to where they want to go.
“The thing I don‘t want to be is the guy who holds him back from doing anything,” Michael said. “I have to make him the best racer I can. I can‘t be selfish with this kid.”
Michael knows that because of Danner‘s home base, it may be in his cards to go winged 410 racing; therefore, it is important to get him on the big Pennsylvania tracks. Additionally, because he is excelling in the wingless ranks, he wants to take Danner to places like Eldora‘s 4-Crown Nationals.
All in all, it is hard to disagree with Michael‘s contention that Danner “is a 20-year-old kid in a pretty good situation. I think he can excel in winged and non-winged racing throughout his whole career.”
When you see Danner in victory lane the first thing that grabs your attention is his infectious smile. When you‘re young, fast and successful, there is plenty to be happy about. 