Danny Frederick is a big man at New Hampshire’s Monadnock Speedway. Not only in statue but also in ability and experience. Frederick, the 2004 and 05 Strictly Stock track Champion, moved to Late Models this season at Monadnock. His racing experience includes a 5-year stint in the 8-cylinder Enduros Division and 5-years in Strictly Stock, including 2 championship seasons. In 2003, Frederick was presented a “Sportsmanship Award”.

There have been numerous racing challenges for Frederick. One of the most difficult challenges has been “learning how to read the car” says Frederick. He seems to have a pretty good handle on that. Each race is different depending on how your car is set-up, the condition of the track, the weather, which competitors are in the field and what their cars are doing.

Then there is the unforeseen, such as a race in 2005 when Frederick rolled his Strictly Stock #44 two times over coming out of turn four, going for the lead. It was an unfamiliar site at Monadnock’s speedway. The fans were delighted to see Frederick exit the car unharmed.

Late Models are in uncharted territory for Frederick. If history is any indication for the future, we can expect great things from Frederick in his #44 Late Model. He is both talented and confident, out on that track, at New Hampshire’s fastest quarter mile racetrack.

The April 9 “Icebreaker” at Thompson International Speedway could be the start of a first-class season for Todd Henshaw and his #7 Mini Stock. It was a brisk but sunny day for that 1st race of the 2006 season at Thompson. The rain, sleet and snow of the day before hadn’t dampened anyone’s spirit. The teams were pumped, ready to race.

Mini Stocks most always open the feature events as it was on this Sunday. Henshaw strongly challenged race leader Brian Vincent along with Perry and Michalski. He placed 4th, a good finish and a good start to a new race season.

A veteran driver, Henshaw has raced 10-years in Pro Stock and 2-years in the Sportsman Division at Seekonk. This season brings him back to Thompson for his second season in the Mini Stock Division. He likes the high banks and competition at that track.

Says Henshaw “It’s difficult to learn how to run door-to-door and outside groove passing but you do learn and you do, do it.” “Finally winning takes a lot out of you” per Henshaw. “ That’s what racing is all about, competition, sportsmanship and ultimately winning races.”