SPECIAL LINK TO ‘GAMBLER’

Speedway fan loves Kenny Rogers and racing

SPEEDWAY: Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler talked about knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.

It is a song known the world, and it played a part in speedway enthusiast David Budden to “cash in his chips” on a vintage car.

Speaking to The Chronicle after Rogers’ passing earlier this week, Budden recalled just how he came to be in possession in one of the country crooner’s legendary speedway cars.

“I love my speedway, it’s always been a passion of mine,” Budden said.

“I used to commentate in Brisbane (in the early 2000s) and I was talking to a mate, Stephen White, after a race.

“We were chatting and I just happened to ask him about what happened to the cars Danny Smith used to race in Australia.

“Danny was one of the first America professionals to compete in Australia in the late 80s and he drove a Kenny Rogers The Gambler chassis.

“I’m a huge fan of Danny’s, I loved the way he raced, and those Kenny Rogers cars were special.

“They were a big step above anything in Australia at the time.

“Stephen told me had one in his shed and it was for sale.

“He (Stephen White) said he’d rather sell it to someone that would restore it as opposed to racing it.

“We negotiated a price and I took it home.

“I’m a massive country music fan, particularly Kenny Rogers so that made it special as well.”

Budden spent five years restoring the vehicle before getting behind the wheel.

“I always wanted to own my team, race my own cars. That was always out of my budget though,” Budden said.

“Restoring this car gave me so much joy.

“Getting behind the wheel was even better – they (sprintcars) are a massive thrill to drive.

“Because it’s classed as vintage now I get it to take it out at some special meets which is always good,”

In 2009, the thrill of “car ownership” went to another level for Budden when Smith returned to Australia for the first time since 1989.

Budden was invited to lead off the main field in the World Series feature race, featuring Smith.

“When I led the parade lap he pulled up alongside me and gave me the thumbs up,” he said.

“To have him autograph the car and then pull up alongside me on the parade lap was pretty nice.”

jason.gibbs@thechronicle.com.au Picture: Contributed CLASSIC: David Budden (back) leads out the World Series feature race under the watchful eye of racing idol Danny Smith. The car Budden drove was a restored Kenny Rogers The Gambler chassis once driven by Smith. JASON GIBBS

Picture: Kevin Farmer TOP JOB: Danny Smith (right) gives David Budden's restoration job the tick of approval. Budden restored the Kenny Rogers The Gambler chasis which was driven by Smith.