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July 20, 2007 As many of us go about our daily lives, we often fail to remember that men and women in the United States armed forces are overseas in areas of danger, especially Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, some would venture to say that we take their service for granted. At Tri-City Speedway, the service of one man is not only remembered, but appreciated by all race fans young and old. Danny Exley of Franklin has a history of military service. An enlisted member of the United States Army from 1991 to 1994, the Pro Stock racer shocked many when he joined the reserves in 2004. Even more surprising, Exley, 34, did so fully aware that he would be sent overseas. “I had all intentions of going over and serving my country,” said Exley. “I think it’s something that everyone should do.” In 2005, news was released that Exley would be sent to Afghanistan late in the year. As a result, his racing career would soon end. Having captured several feature wins at area tracks, including four career victories at Tri-City, Exley sold his car to rookie driver John Winters of Reno. Yet, Winters couldn’t get the car to work for him. “We knew the car would run, so John agreed to let me drive it in the Labor Day weekend races,” recalled Exley. What happened will be etched forever in the annals of Tri-City history. With numerous fans at the track for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, including many from outside the area that didn’t even know him, Exley wrote a movie script. He finished second in one of Saturday’s qualifying races. Then, on Sunday, he raced Winters’ Pro Stock to an emotional win barely edging Stoneboro’s Terry Wheeler before a frenzied crowd. Tears and smiles filled victory lane. “I’ll never forget that win,” said Exley. “It was our old car and we liked it so much. It was just the perfect weekend. It was meant to be.” Within a couple of months, Exley was shipped overseas. Stationed in Salerno, Afghanistan, he actively participated in the war on terrorism. “I went on convoys once a week and did missions on choppers twice a week,” said Exley. “It was not as bad as the guys in Iraq had it, but I saw my share. I fired my weapon many times. My philosophy was simple: you either shoot or they are going to shoot you first.” While fans gathered each Sunday night at Tri-City in 2006, Exley was thousands of miles away from family and friends engaged in one of the most dangerous jobs known to mankind. “It changed me quite a bit. I’m definitely not the same person. I still struggle to adjust to normal everyday life. Over there, you’re on pins and needles all the time. I remember lying in my bed and hearing rockets go over my head. You just hope that it isn’t your bed that gets hit.” Late that season, his wife, Heather, decided that he should return to the race track when he got back home. With a new chassis in hand, good friends and loyal crew members helped build the car all winter, including Franklin’s Dave Myers, Scott Graham and Michael Pritts. “Heather told me that I deserved it for going over there, and gave me the car as a gift,” smiled Exley. “I thought we should put the money somewhere else, but once racing is in your blood, you can’t get it out.” Exley’s Chevrolet Pro Stock No. 23H returned to the Route 417 half-mile oval on opening night in April to resounding cheers. To date, the team has run well with five top fives, including a third third-place finish last Sunday night. “We stepped everything up so much while I was gone, and I have a lot more money in it now than I used to,” said Exley, who will soon become a state corrections officer at the Mercer State Prison. “We’re doing okay. We’re just overpowered and we can’t get it hooked up on the race track. We’re starting to get better here over the last couple of weeks. Right now, we’re battling for second in points with Gerry Bruce.” Exley’s love of serving his country will lead to another stint overseas. While in Afghanistan, Exley signed up for another six years of reserve duty. After all he went through in 2006, it seems incredible to believe that he would want to do it again. That is, until you talk to the proud American. “I went through a lot over there, but I loved every minute of it. Like racing, it’s in my blood and part of me. I want to do it again. I want to serve my country.” In today’s world of sports stars in trouble with the law, it’s refreshing to meet a man that is a true role model and hero for any child. For Tri-City fans, Danny Exley is that man. And just as they did last season, when the time comes for the race track warrior to fight overseas, all of the fans will pray for his safe return. Exley's Pro Stock is sponsored by Gil Dahlstrom Iron & Metal and Designers Custom and Lettering of Oil City, Dave Myers Race Cars, Bodies & Interiors of Franklin, Les Frickshun Products and Kendzior Orthodontics of Reno, JED Racing Engines of Sheakleyville, his mother, Debbie, Paul Addington of Allegheny Toyota in Franklin, and many more friends, family members and individuals. |
