With a reputation as one of the biggest events in the province, Peterborough Speedway’s Autumn Colours Classic – presented by Lucas Oil Products – October 9th, 10th and 11th is the show every racer wants to win. For Orono, Ontario’s Danny Benedict, a checkered flag at this year’s Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing would be even sweeter as it may also mark the young speedster’s final start in the Mini Stock division.

After a successful 2015 season that included an opening night feature event win at Peterborough Speedway and a finish just outside the top 5 in the final standings at Sunset Speedway, Benedict – who is currently back at Algonquin College in Ottawa for his second year of classes in the Powerline Technician program – is already counting the days to the start of his 2016 season and a debut behind the wheel of a Late Model machine. The driver, known as ‘The Showstopper’ says the timing was right to try something new.

“We were able to get our hands on a proven chassis from former Mosport and Kawartha Speedway runner Dan Kimmerly,” said Benedict. “At first, we had thoughts about putting together a limited program for next year, but now it looks like this will be our primary ride. The ‘for sale’ sign was hung on the #54 Mustang Mini Stock about a month before the end of the season, but we’re not in a hurry to put a deal together. It’s been a decent machine for the couple of years we’ve run it and we could still keep it around for some selected starts next year.”

With the 2015 season at Sunset concluded and school back in session, Danny Benedict and his father are burning-up the internet with their plans for the Autumn Colours Classic at Peterborough Speedway. It’s a huge event that draws racers from across the province and adding a checkered flag from such a prestigious event would be the highlight of any racer’s career and a terrific way to close-out one chapter, before moving to another division.

“Our focus is on winning the Mini Stock title at Autumn Colours,” said car owner and father Doug Benedict. “The Late Model is in the shop and it’s a work in progress and more pieces to the puzzle come together every day. Whether the car is sold or not, Danny will be running it at Peterborough. Some might call it unfinished business and in a way, that’s true. We’ve had some strong runs with this car and winning one of the biggest races of the year would be the perfect way to close the book.”

Danny Benedict’s 2015 season is sponsored by Dent Dynamics, Wallace Auto Supply – Carquest, Mayhew Graphics, Mayhew Auto, Mark Rainford Auto Sales, Camsport Truck Caps & Accessories, B & W Enterprises, Kim Irwin of Irwin Tax, Baudo Auto Services, Hoy’s Garage, John Owen Performance Engines and Clarke Motorsports Communications.