Press Releases
May 30, 2011
Rising Stars Season Recap: Daniel Harding
Daniel Harding triumphed in 9 A Mains and collected the WA and NT Formula 500 Championships during his stellar 2010/11 Racing Season.
The 2011 Rising Star also earned a clean sweep of the Speedway City Christmas Cup, triumphed at Bunny Burrows (Narrogin) and competed in the Kalgoorlie round of World Series Sprintcars.
Just this weekend Harding turned a last minute decision to travel to Tennant Creek into the Northern Territory Formula 500 Championship.
Daniel won all 3 of his heats at the event and won the Feature Race from pole position.
“It was an absolute honour to be involved in this event. The whole Tennant Creek Speedway Club and the NT Formula 500 association should be so proud. It was one of the best run events I have ever been involved with.
"It was a privilege to be there and to win it was a great way to finish our Formula 500 career (for now).”
Overall in 2010/11, Harding contested the A Main in 21 of the 22 events he raced, winning 8 of them.
The Speedway Australia Rising Star Program aims to help talented young Speedway drivers realise their full potential in the sport.
In 2011/12, Daniel will use the confidence gained from this season's success and the Rising Star program to compete full time in the Sprintcar category.
Shane Collins recently spoke with the talented youngster:
Shane Collins: What do you think you improved most this season?
Daniel Harding: I think I made the most progress in how I deal with lapped traffic and my mental focus. I really concentrated on making fewer mistakes and being able to deal with pressure.
SC: What do you feel you need to work harder at in the future?
DH: Everything! I feel there is always room for improvement, and moving to Sprintcars next season means I have plenty to learn. This offseason I will be focussing on my physical conditioning, which I feel will also have a flow on effect to helping my confidence and preparation mentally.
SC: What does season 2011/12 look like for you?
DH: We're already working hard in preparation for next season and everyone is excited to move up into Sprintcars. It's a big step up, but we feel we're ready for the challenge. Geoff Murphy has started work on our new chassis and we're working on getting everything else prepared, and working to secure some new team partners.
SC: Who would you like to thank?
DH: A big thanks goes out to my Mum and Dad, my girlfriend Ash, my brother Trevor and his girlfriend Emma for being so supportive. Another big thanks to Dad for pulling an all-nighter to get the truck loaded before the NT State Title, then driving the 48 hour trip to Tennant Creek.
I'd also like to thank Geoff Murphy, our mechanics Todd Fabry and Chris de Vos, our major sponsor Tucker Time For Pets and all of our generous sponsors (Murphy Race Cars, Dirty Dog Eyewear, Jolly Good Auto Electrics, TT Auto Services, Racin' Tyres, Genises Shocks, FTZ Performance, Supafit Seat Covers, Star World Framing, Revolution Racegear and Empire Graphics).
Last but not least, I'd like to thank Speedway Australia and everybody involved in the Rising Star Program.
SC: Thanks Daniel, best of luck for the upcoming season!
Stay tuned to speedwayaustralia.net.au for updates on each of the 2011 Rising Stars in the coming weeks.
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