Markbilt Racing rider Melissa Paris set a new record in the 2009 Daytona 200. By finishing 21st (pending official results) on her GYTR/HelpMeRide.com Yamaha R6, Paris became the top finishing female in Daytona 200 history.

“I came into this event wanting to finish in the top 20 and it’s a little frustrating that I barely missed it, but now I know where I stack up and I have some ideas on what to work on before my next AMA event” commented Paris. “On the plus side, it was a great race and experience and to come away knowing I am now the fastest woman to have circled this historic track is awesome.”

Paris rode the Markbilt/GYTR/HelpMeRide.com Yamaha for the very first time less than a week before the AMA event kicked off. Even with such little time to prepare, the team was able to get the bike working well for Melissa straight away. Adding to the drama, her new Pilot leathers showed up the day before the race event. Of course they fit perfectly and did a fantastic job for the entire 200 mile race.

With the prestigious Daytona 200 being Paris’ first AMA professional race, the Markbilt Racing team was pleased with the progress she made. “Melissa is a fierce competitor and I am very proud of her performance and professionalism in the 200. It’s a great start to the season and we look forward to upcoming events” said Mark Rozema, crew chief and team owner.

In addition to her historic race, Paris also raised awareness as well as $ 5,000.00 in donations for the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation which works to eradicate breast cancer in women.

The Markbilt Racing team would like to extend a special thank you to Pirelli tires for allowing Melissa the opportunity to compete in this event despite the control tire rule mandating that she use a different brand of tire.