Fresh off a second-place National Championship finish last season in the NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Series, young Modified racer Daniel ‘BatDan’ Carranza is focused on early-season success as the team heads to Mildura for the Twilight Nationals.
“Considering we didn’t compete in most of the events last year, it’s absolutely mind-blowing that we still came runners-up in the championship,” beamed Daniel. “It can be difficult to balance life, work and racing, but we did our best to attend as many events as we could during the 2024/25 NDRC season, which was still a success for us.
“Running our second season in Modified, we managed to take home two Christmas Trees and a top qualifier medallion, which was an awesome achievement.”
Despite the rain-affected finish to the opening round of the championship at Willowbank, the BatDan Racing Team showed strong form throughout the weekend.
“Our first round of the 2026 NDRC season began with a great start, securing the first top qualifying position of the year,” recalled Daniel. “We won the first round due to a double breakout, which was enough to advance into the next round, however, Mother Nature had other plans.
“Despite the storm, we had a great weekend as a team. This was our first event since the Nitro Nationals in Sydney, where the driver was a bit rusty but quickly got back into the groove and built great momentum from Friday’s test day.”
Daniel is excited to return to a venue that holds special meaning for him.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Mildura. It’s a track where I’ve been very successful as a junior over the years,” he said. “We’ve won a couple of Easter Shootout events there, and it’s also where I won my very first gold Christmas Tree, so it holds a special place in my heart.”
Still only 21 years of age, Daniel caught the racing bug early and is another fine example of the Junior Dragster pathway into mainstream Sportsman competition.
“It all started when my uncle Dom raced his LJ Torana at Calder Park,” Daniel explained. “I’d go to the drags when I was still in a pram and eventually became addicted to the fumes and revving engines. I always asked my parents if I could get into it when I grew up, and that’s when we discovered Junior Dragster racing.
“I started racing at eight years old and made my debut at the 2014 Western Nationals. We’d just purchased my first Junior Dragster and managed to finish in the semi-finals.”
With a team name still needed, inspiration came naturally.
“I was always a big Batman fan – and still am, so I thought I’d add my own twist and call myself ‘BatDan’. The rest is history.”
As Daniel transitioned out of Junior Dragster, Modified felt like the natural fit.
“We wanted a car and a class that truly rewarded consistency, driver skill and teamwork,” he said. “Having been driving a dragster since I was eight, it would’ve been foolish to move into a class that didn’t involve one.
“I’m comfortable in a car that ticks all the boxes and allows us to race hard while still enjoying the process. The dragster we race now fits our goals perfectly and gives us a solid platform for growth.
“It runs a 615-cubic-inch Big Block Chevrolet engine, originally used in the 8.90 Super Comp class in the USA. It won several divisional events before being shipped to Australia and converted to Modified Eliminator.”
Despite his young age, Daniel has already gained valuable international experience, a highlight of his racing career.
“Having the opportunity to attend Tom Bayer’s School of Drag Racing in California was huge,” Daniel said. “Thomas took me under his wing, teaching me techniques that made me a better driver.
“He then offered me a steer in one of his dragsters, which ticked a massive box – racing alongside some of the best in the sport at NHRA Divisional and National events in Las Vegas, twice at Pomona’s NHRA World Finals, and at the iconic Bakersfield.”
Daniel says one piece of advice from Bayer has stayed with him.
“Some of the best advice I’ve ever received, not just for racing, but for life is from Thomas Bayer: ‘Don’t ever set expectations for yourself, because if you don’t meet them, you’ll be disappointed.’ After everything I learnt in the States, I was ready to come home and give it all I’ve got.”
Looking ahead to the new NDRC Aeroflow Sportsman Series season, Daniel is taking a grounded approach.
“My goal is simple – have fun and enjoy every moment,” he said. “Whatever happens on the day happens. If we can finish a weekend with good results, the car in one piece, and everyone smiling, that’s a win.
“I want to maximise my seat time, gain as much knowledge as possible, attend as many NDRC events as I can, and enjoy the journey.”
Daniel also values the camaraderie unique to drag racing.
“It’s the only sport where everyone gets involved and genuinely tries to help each other. People race incredibly hard but fairly, and you meet amazing people along the way. Whether you’re mates racing for fun or rivals fighting for a championship, everyone still wants to see you make it safely to the top end.”
Of course, Daniel’s success wouldn’t be possible without his team.
“I’d like to thank my Crew Chief Rob and Anne Camilleri, my girlfriend Tara for her support, and my parents for making it all possible and getting me to where I am today,” he said.
“To my number one fan Archie Florrimell and his family, who support us through their business Tyres Now; Penrite Oils; Tileco The Shower People; JTR Fabrications; Costanzo Automotive; Addictive Performance for fuel support; and Vinyl Wraps & Graphics for the awesome livery on the dragster.
“And a pretty proud moment for the team, my mum, not only our team chef, is now also learning the ropes as my potential backup girl!”
