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Benoit On Fast Track In Racing, Classes

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 7, 2008

DADE CITY - Imagine racing on an asphalt surface such as the NASCAR track at Daytona. You reach speeds up to 180 mph on the straightaways and up to 85 mph in the corners. Now, imagine racing at these breakneck speeds on a motorcycle.

On several weekends throughout the year, Pasco High senior Danny Benoit travels to compete at tracks across the South. During the weekend of Aug. 9-10, the 17-year-old captured the North Florida Series motorcycle racing championship in the novice division. That qualified him to compete in the national championship, scheduled for next month in Atlanta.

Benoit, a third-generation racer, started racing dirt bikes when he was 8. At 13, he crashed and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. A year later, he switched from dirt bikes to road motorcycles and signed up at the Ed Bardgy Racing School. After earning his certification, Benoit started competing in races.

"There's an adrenaline rush you can't describe," he said.

To reduce friction, racing motorcycles have no mirrors, so drivers can't see if someone is gaining on them or about to pass them.

"We focus completely on the track," Benoit said.

When NASCAR drivers bump each other, the damage is often limited to the car. In motorcycle racing, however, the results can be disastrous.

"Two racers bumped, and they slid more than 75 yards on the asphalt," Benoit said of an incident he witnessed.

For protection, all racers are required to wear full leather suits and a helmet. Before each race, each motorcycle is checked for safety to avoid oil leaks and potential fires.

When making turns, motorcycle racers lean so far that their knee is scraping against the asphalt. To avoid injury, a plastic puck is inserted into the racer's suit.

Benoit, with his father's mentoring, uses a number of strategies.

"I stay as near as I can to the inside line, so no one will pass me," he said. "When I come out of the turns, I try to immediately get in the upright position, because the more rubber that's on the road, the faster I can go. Plus, I have learned to trust my bike. There's something in the brain that places limitations on how fast we can go. The machine pushes me further and faster than I think is possible."

At Pasco High, Benoit maintains a 3.77 GPA and splits his school days by taking four college-level courses at Pasco-Hernando Community College. He ranks in the top 12 percent of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society. Last year, he was selected to emcee the senior award ceremony, the first time the position was offered to a junior.

He also is the president of the Interact Club, an organization affiliated with the local Rotary Club.

"We serve food and clean tables at fundraisers," Benoit said. "It makes me feel good to help others in the community. You want to make a difference in a positive way."

Ed Flores, a teacher at Pasco and a former motorcycle racing champion, heaps high praise on Benoit.

"Having raced for years, I know what it takes to stay focused and succeed in racing," Flores said. "Then, add to that his determination to maintain his grades, attend college while in high school and give back to the community - this is, by far, an outstanding young man."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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