Dan Smith Overcomes Adversity to Win 2025 D5 Super Street Title
- nduty0
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
The 2025 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season in the West Central Division delivered unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and a championship battle defined by perseverance. At the center of it all was Dan Smith, who refused to let adversity derail his championship pursuit. With 408 points, Smith secured the 2025 Division 5 Super Street Championship, overcoming one of the most challenging paths of any racer in the category.
A Season Defined by Determination
Smith’s journey to the championship was anything but smooth. When his long-time race car was out of commission, he was able to climb into Richard Larson’s car to finish out the 2025 season. The move proved pivotal, allowing him to stay in the title hunt and ultimately clinch the championship.
Smith notched two runner-up finishes during the year, one at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, and another at Tulsa Raceway Park—an event that concluded two weeks later at the Texas Motorplex due to inclement weather. His determination paid off again in St. Louis, where he claimed the Super Street win during the Division 3 Double Header, a victory that helped propel him toward Dallas with a championship in sight.
A Competitive Field
While Smith ultimately claimed the top spot, the season featured strong performances from several contenders:
🥈 Runner-Up – Donnie Durenberger Jr. (318 Points)
Durenberger opened the season with authority, winning both Super Street and Sportsman Motorcycle at the Division 5 St. Louis Double Header. His early momentum kept him in the championship conversation, and he finished the season as the well-earned second-place driver.
🥉 Third Place – Terry Robinson (310 Points)
Terry Robinson delivered a consistent, competitive season, highlighted by his victory at the second race at Brainerd International Raceway. His strong performances solidified his position in the top three and showcased his ability to contend with the division’s best.
A Season to Celebrate
The West Central Division applauds Dan Smith, Donnie Durenberger Jr., Terry Robinson, and all Super Street competitors for an outstanding 2025 season. Smith’s story—marked by resilience, adaptability, and competitive spirit—embodies the heart of division racing and stands as one of the most compelling championship runs of the year.
As the division prepares to celebrate its champions at the upcoming 2025 West Central Division Awards Banquet, Smith’s remarkable season will undoubtedly be a highlight.
Join Us to Celebrate the 2025 Champions
Join us for the 2025 NHRA Division 5 Awards Ceremony as we celebrate another incredible season of racing in the Land of the Brave!
📅 Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
🕔 Cocktail Hour: 5:00 PM
🍽 Dinner: 6:00 PM
🏆 Awards: 7:00 PM
👔 Attire: Business Casual
📍 Location: Marriott Kansas City Overland Park 10800 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66210
🎟 Tickets: Tickets must be purchased by January 20, 2026.
🏨 Hotel Accommodations: Click below to secure your room for the weekend:
We look forward to celebrating our champions, racers, and teams—see you in January!