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Danny Drinan, is one of the most innovative race car designers and builders in the motorsports industry with a background as a very successful USAC Midget and Sprint Car driver. Danny attempted to make the Indy 500 three times, but had his Indy Car career cut short due to a life-changing crash that nearly took his life. He was a mechanical engineer and lead fabricator for Mario Andretti, part of the Bonneville Salt Flats land speed team, Speed Demon, that set a world record in 2021 of 481+ mph as the fastest piston powered car on the planet, and the inventor of the patented “Dri-Bar” cockpit adjustable anti-roll system that has been used in numerous racing series with and has achieved over 500 victories. Danny is reintroducing the racing world to an updated educational series of his “Pyramid of Grip.” He owns Drinan Racing Industries in Indianapolis, IN, where he designs and fabricates specialized parts for the racing, aviation, military, and aerospace industries around the world.
INSPIRATION
Howard Linne, USAC Hall of Famer
Darrell Soppe, crew chief for Mario Andretti
Adrian Newey, currently Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team
Bill Simpson, Simpson Race Products
CHALLENGE
After a life-threatening crash with a severe head injury, Danny started to investigate how the seatbelt system in race cars could be changed by working with Bill Simpson to make improvements. Danny shared a private, very emotional story about Bill Simpson. After Danny’s crash and while he was recovering, Bill Simpson paid for his hospital bills, gave him money to keep his business going, provided food and rent money, and helped Danny get back on his feet.
SPECIAL AUTOMOBILE
A 1998 Chevy 1-Ton Dually that Danny just cannot let go!
RECOMMENDED READING OR VIEWING
To learn more about Howard Linne: https://www.usacracing.com/hall-of-fame-inductees/howard-linne
To learn more about Bill Simpson: https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a30260250/bill-simpson-a-life-dedicated-to-racing-and-racing-safety/
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
Darrell Soppe – “For the rest of your life, the first impression you make on somebody will be lasting.”
WHERE TO FIND DANNY
Danny Drinan – Drinan Racing Industries
100 Gasoline Alley, Suite #F, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: (317) 486-9710
Email: danny@drinanracing.com
Official website for the Dri-Bar Cockpit Adjustable Anti-Roll System: https://dri-bar.com/
If you enjoyed this show, please go to Apple Podcast and leave me a five-star review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and help others to be inspired by Cars Yeah. * indicates a past Cars Yeah guest.
Ginger, you got this ! Great solo debut, seamless, informative, inspiring and am looking forward to following your success in this effort ! Thank you.