“Big Mike” Daignault was one of the more popular drivers at the Speedbowl during the 1970’s. With the Gada family, he was part of the Ford contingent who competed against a Chevy dominated Daredevil/Grand American field.
Driving for car owner Earl Passmore, Mike began winning Daredevil races in 1969 (twice) and then again in 1970. In 1971, the Speedbowl changed up the rules and renamed the division Sportsman Sedan. It resulted in Daignault dominating the division with 10 wins, which tied the record for wins in a season, yet he fell short of the track title to Bob Gada.
But 2 years later Mike would win 7 races to earn the 1973 Sportsman Sedan Championship. Daignault drove the “Spirit of 76” cars to 26 wins from 1969-1976 and then largely left weekly competition.
15 years later in 1991, Daignault returned to the Speedbowl’s Late Model division and won 3 races in 2 seasons. “Big Mike” is fondly remembered for driving beautifully prepared cars and being very popular with the Speedbowl fans during his career. He passed away February 26, 2024 after a lengthy illness.
STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
| TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS | 1973 Sportsman Sedan (division also known as Daredevil & Grand American – noted as DGA below) |
| CAREER WINS | 29 – (26 DGA, 3 Late Model) |
| SPEEDBOWL RECORDS | 10 DGA wins in a season (tied with Bill Sweet) |
| 8 consecutive seasons with a DGA win | |
| 4 consecutive DGA wins (tied with Bill Sweet) | |
| 4 consecutive DGA wins to start a season | |
| OTHER NOTABLE STATS | 15 seasons in between Speedbowl wins |
| won 2 DGA races on the same day (May 26, 1973) | |
| AWARDS & HONORS | 1971 Sportsman Sedan Most Popular Driver |
| 1972 Sportsman Sedan Most Popular Driver | |
| 2000 Speedbowl’s 50 Favorite Drivers |
MIKE DAIGNAULT
SPEEDBOWL PHOTO ALBUM
