There have always been surprises and wild moments at the Daytona Supercross, and this year is expected to be no different. Crashes, last-lap bike failures and crazy weather have made it difficult to predict what will transpire during the odd duck of the
AMA Supercross Series. Daytona inspires riders to dig deep for a win. It also tests the will of the guys who aren’t as prepared as they thought they were. The track at the Daytona Supercross is notorious for being the gnarliest on the circuit, being more of a mix between a SX and motocross track. Nasty ruts, deep whoops, and power-sapping sand strikes fear and excitement into the hearts of every rider that lines up behing the start gate. Just as last year, Ricky Carmichael has laid out the massive track in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway. It will be
Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey has a comfortable points lead on the rest of the Supercross field. Can he extend his lead in Daytona?
sure to live up to the reputation of being rough and tough. When the GOAT designs a track you had better bring your A-game. The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate, and the track is perfected sculpted. It's going to be a great weekend for Supercross racing.
Last weekend Ryan Dungey got some breathing room in the 2010 AMA Supercross Series points chase. Now leading by 20 points, the pressure cooker has been turned down a bit on Suzuki’s golden boy. This should actually make the toughest race of the year a bit easier for him, as he can just concentrate on the course and not whether or not he’s going to lose the points lead. Unless he crashes out the 22-year-old will leave Daytona International Speedway still on top. Dungey said that last weekend things were falling into place after string of missed podiums and crashes, "I had a couple of races that were tough. I feel like we finally found the missing ingredient."
Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto will be looking for redemption after finishing 19th last weekend. Fortunately, his crash in Atlanta didn’t injure the Monster Energy racer. He was back on the bike this week preparing for the Daytona. RV needs to win and capitalize on any opportunity to gain points on Dungey.
RV needs a win at Daytona afetr a disappointing finish in Atlanta. He currently sits in third place in the points chase.
Chad Reed is rumored to return at Daytona, but nothing is confirmed. A call to the Kawasaki PR guy yesterday yielded no real concrete details. Tom McGovern of Monster Energy Kawasaki could only say, “We are hopeful, but we don’t know for sure yet.” The two-time Supercross champion will decide tomorrow after the first practice session.
Josh Hill’s wicked practice crash last week left him battered and bruised, but he still finished a respectable sixth. The Yamaha rider still sits second in the points, but 20 points is a long way back. Will Daytona inspire him to bounce back from his bout of lackluster finishes in the past couple of races?
Last year the wild child of Supercross finished in second place. Will Jason Lawrence surprise everyone again this year, or has his troubled past diluted his drive and talent to pull out unexpected results? Davi Millsaps, Kevin Windham and Justin Brayton could also win this thing if they want it bad enough.
East Coast Lites
Christophe Pourcel has two wins under his belt and is a favorite to walk away with the win at Daytona. The French racer is a local of sorts; his house and practice track is just down the road about 20 minutes. He has the advantage of being home and relaxed, while other racers have to deal with the stress and rigors of traveling. Some will say that Justin Barcia, Austin Stroupe, and Dean Wilson had his number last week. However, those close to him said he was just laying back and waiting to make his move. Which ever you believe to be true, you can’t deny that he will be near or in front for every lap turned in the Lites class.
Expect to see another dogfight Saturday night under the lights of the Daytona International Speedway. New faces are emerging in the Lites clas to keep things interesting.
Justin Barcia will be one to watch this weekend. The GEICO Powersports rider is sure to entertain as he puts it on the line every lap. He is aggressive and will smash his way to the front if he gets the chance. Keep an eye out for the red rider bumping and running to the front. Daytona's gnarly course design plays into his strengths.
Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Austin Stroupe will be gunning for his first win this season. Last week might have been his if not for a bobble while leading. He knows how it feels being up front and ahead of Pourcel. Will Daytona be the race that swings momentum to the Suzuki rider?
No matter which racer you choose to take the win in the Lites class; it is going to be a tight, frantic, bar-banging, swap-fest for 15 laps on the toughest course these racers will face this year. I know I can’t wait, how about you?
