What a difference a year can make.
One year after finishing the drag racing season in second place behind sister Clara in the Junior Dragster division, Daniel Layfield climbed to the top step of the podium.
The 10-year-old Layfield, who did not turn 10 until Dec. 19, was far from the fastest car on the track, managing just two wins, but displayed excellent consistency throughout the season.
Daniel admitted that it meant a lot to win the drag racing championship this season, saying it was nice to enact a small amount of revenge on sister Clara, who won the title the year prior.
Daniel noted that it meant a lot to win the drag racing title, because it felt like positive reinforcement for all the hard work he put in throughout the season.
The season got off to a bit of a sluggish start for Daniel as he did not win his first race of the year, until the seventh race of the year on July 9.
Daniel noted that race served as a bit of a turning point in his season, noting it was at that point he felt like he truly had a chance to contend.
Daniel went on to finish third the next week, before picking up his second win of the season at the following race.
Part of the success and confidence he displayed on the track came from a comfort level on the track, which Daniel admitted got stronger the more time he spent on the track.
Clara meanwhile, had a much less successful season, finishing fourth.
Both Layfields will return to the Junior Dragster division next year, with Daniel noting his goal is to win.
Of course, getting faster will also be a priority, with Daniel noting he has a few tricks up his sleeve for that, including a new motor, as well, he will look to friends at the track for advice on how to go faster.
One of the areas Daniel says he kind of feels like he needs to improve are his starts, and says that will be a focus as well.
