Daniels Comes Back to Race for Ricky
Canaan, NH — It is no secret that the racing game is hard to walk away from when you choose to make that move. Drivers and even car owners who spend 20 plus years involved in racing look for other opportunities to occupy time. Most will focus on family, vacations, kid’s sports, home projects, whatever it takes to deter them from wanting to get back. For some, they can’t break away,, always looking for results, news, go to the races, or in this case just sit back and from a distance watch the progress, the growth, the weekly happenings of the True Value Modified Racing Series.
Peter Daniels, an eight-time track champion at Twin State, three of those titles in the modified division, admits he’s paid attention since his last race in 2005. “I have kept up with the series, absolutely, it is amazing to see where the series is, where it has come from, the names that are competing. Daniels added, “I have really missed racing, missed the series, I raced against some greats drivers, but it was time to move on.”
After 23 years it was time for Daniels to change his priorities. “Home projects, time spent with family, a son that plays hockey, baseball, football.” all important moments in Daniels life as a husband and father. Daniels enjoys watching his son participate in sports but the 2002 NASCAR National Champ is quick to point out, “My son misses his Dad racing too.” That will come to an end this weekend when Peter straps himself into a ground pounding modified as the Twin State Speedway plays host to the True Value Modified Racing Series for the first time and the running of the 1st annual “Ricky Miller Memorial 100,” presented by New England Outdoor Furnaces.
As for his return, “Truthfully it almost happened earlier.” said Daniels. Jack (Bateman) contacted me early on about Thunder Road and Claremont (Twin State) to see if I had any interest. I could not commit to Thunder Road but I was definitely interested in this race at Twin State. Luke Royea was kind enough to give me a ride, a shot, a chance to drive a modified again at Twin State. A chance to race in Ricky’s race. I raced against Ricky, a good kid and a heck of a racer. I am grateful to Luke for the opportunity. I just hope we can qualify, put on a good show, and get a good finish for Luke and his team.”
Daniels has already turned some strong laps at Twin State in scheduled practice sessions.
“It felt good. I just needed to get the cobwebs out, but once I did, it felt like home.” Pit side observers have said that Daniels looked like he has not been away. Each lap, he was getting faster and faster.
When the checkered flag drops Sunday, will the 3-time winner on the TVMRS give any consideration to a full time return to the series? Daniels paused, “No, I don’t think so. My brother, my crew, we’re all doing different things now. It costs a lot of money to race these things, I sold my cars and parts, cleaned out everything so I would not go running back, we would have to start from scratch and I do not see that happening.” Would Daniels give consideration to maybe a part time schedule driving for someone else? “I’m not sure, (another pause) well maybe.” If Daniels has a strong run Sunday, perhaps opportunity will come knocking. Question is, will he answer the door.
Sunday’s race in honor of Ricky Miller will also benefit the Victory Junction Gang organization. Race time is 1:00 PM.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./True Value Modified Racing Series PR