2/6/2025
California 305 Regional Sprints
Connor Danell
If you’re even remotely familiar with open-wheel racing, then you’ve definitely heard the last name Danell. This family has been ripping it up on the open-wheel racing scene since the early 80s, so when a 6-year-old named Connor Danell started showing an interest in getting behind the wheel himself, it was basically inevitable!
Connor kicked off his racing career in a Jr. Sprint, and it didn’t take long before he was blazing through the ranks in the micro sprint world. He moved from Jr. Sprint to restricted, and before you knew it, he was dominating in the outlaw class. Talk about a rocket ship to success!
Fast forward to 2019, and Justin decided to level up and race with the big boys in the RaceSaver class. Enter the iconic black and yellow Pennzoil #5d – a car that quickly became a fixture at tracks all over California. We’re talking Hanford (Kings), Oildale, Kern County (home of Kevin Harvick!), Merced, Watsonville, and, of course, Tulare Thunderbowl. If you’re a fan of open-wheel racing, you know that the Thunderbowl is the place to be!
At just 21 years old, Connor is just getting his racing career started. He’s been tearing it up in everything from 360s to 410s to RaceSavers, taking on whatever opportunity comes his way. Seriously, if there’s a race happening, you can bet the #5d will be on the track, regardless of the engine size!
And now, Connor’s decided to jump back into the RaceSaver class to continue growing his skills, gaining more experience, and, of course, racking up more laps at tracks all over California. When asked why people should consider jumping into the California RaceSaver class, Connor’s response was simple but powerful: “The RaceSaver class is an awesome, affordable way to get into sprint car racing. It’s a perfect steppingstone to the 360 or 410 classes. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than running outlaw micros, and you get to race for WAY more money in weekly shows than you would in the micros.”
In other words, Connor’s not just racing—he’s continuing his family’s legacy and love of the sport.
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