Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / DANNY DIETRICH RACING – GETTYSBURG, PA – The 2021 season is officially in the books for “Double-D” Danny Dietrich, and although the Gettysburg native was unable to conclude his campaign on top of the field, he was close, wrapping up the year with a podium finish in BAPS Motor Speedway’s season-ending Sprint Showdown on Saturday, November 13.
Working to etch a seventh mark in the win column, Dietrich, driver of Gary Kauffman’s Weikert’s Livestock, Sandoe’s Fruit Market, Pace Performance, Big Cove Whitetail Trophy Hunts, Bowhunters Superstore, Drop Of Ink Tattoo, Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Self Made, Graver’s Garage, Racer’s New & Used Parts Warehouse, No. 48 sprint car, ultimately fell one short and finished second in the $5,000-to-win program, leading a single circuit on lap 17 before surrendering the top spot to eventual winner, Brent Marks.
Although Dietrich was not victorious, his ability to maneuver BAPS Motor Speedway was apparent right from the beginning, kicking things off with the fastest qualifying time over the 38-car field. In fact, Dietrich’s time was the fastest recorded at BAPS all season. The feat earned him a $1,000 bonus.
“We wanted that one pretty bad. We were close, just not close enough,” Dietrich said, a six-time feature winner in 2021 including a pair at BAPS Motor Speedway. “It’s been a wild year. A bitter-sweet feeling right now, for sure. It’s tough to think it’s over already…but I think we are all ready for some family time. Hats off to this entire team…the crew, our partners, all of the fans…I couldn’t do it without you. We are blessed to be able to race in an area so rich in support and love for our sport. We owe it all to the fans, especially.”
Maybe not matching his 2020 win total of 13, Dietrich’s 2021 campaign was just as head turning, capping the year with 59 top-ten appearances, 38 within the top-five, and six victories. Of Dietrich’s triumphs, two occurred during All Star Circuit of Champions competition, one of which accomplished at Sharon Speedway during Ohio Sprint Speedweek.
In addition, Dietrich made victory lane appearances at Lincoln Speedway on March 13, Selinsgrove Speedway on July 20, BAPS Motor Speedway on August 29 (All Stars), Port Royal Speedway on September 6 (Labor Day Classic), and BAPS Motor Speedway again on September 16.
“Of course, the goal is to win more races, but I think we had a pretty successful season,” Dietrich continued. “It’s going to be a short winter, so we’ll get to work right away.”
Information pertaining to Danny Dietrich’s 2022 campaign will be posted in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to keep alert online, as well as on social media, for any news and updates regarding the coming season.