The Daytona Supercross by Honda is without a doubt the crown jewel of the AMA Supercross series. Rich in history for not just motorcycle racing but for racing in general, Daytona is unique in so many ways that it's difficult to pinpoint just exactly what it is that makes it so great. To start with, the track is a unique hybrid that combines elements of outdoor motocross with the repetitive jump obstacles that Supercross has come to be known for. Combine this with the sandy soil and the fact that the track itself has been designed by none other than Ricky Carmichael and you have the makings of a great event.
Event Info :
Event : Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship
Date : Saturday 10 March 2012
Location : Daytona Beach
Saturday Night
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm Opening Ceremonies
7:30 pm – 7:40 pm Supercross Lites Heat #1 – 6 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
7:40 pm – 7:50 pm Supercross Lites Heat #2 – 6 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
7:50 pm – 8:00 pm Supercross Heat #1 – 8 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
8:00 pm – 8:10 pm Supercross Heat #2 – 8 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
8:10 pm – 8:30 pm Intermission
8:30 pm – 8:40 pm Supercross Lites Last Chance Qualifier – 4 Laps, 22 Riders (1-2 to Main)
8:40 pm – 8:50 pm Supercross Last Chance Qualifier – 6 Laps, 22 Riders (1-2 to Main)
8:50 pm – 8:55 pm Track Maintenance
8:55 pm – 9:00 pm Supercross Lites Parade Lap
9:00 pm – 9:20 pm Supercross Lites Main Event – 15 Laps, 20 Riders
9:20 pm – 9:25 pm Supercross Lites Victory Circle
9:25 pm – 9:30 pm Supercross Parade Lap
9:30 pm – 9:50 pm Supercross Main Event – 20 Laps, 20 Riders
9:50 pm – 9:55 pm Supercross Victory Circle
Event : Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship
Date : Saturday 10 March 2012
Location : Daytona Beach
Saturday Night
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm Opening Ceremonies
7:30 pm – 7:40 pm Supercross Lites Heat #1 – 6 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
7:40 pm – 7:50 pm Supercross Lites Heat #2 – 6 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
7:50 pm – 8:00 pm Supercross Heat #1 – 8 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
8:00 pm – 8:10 pm Supercross Heat #2 – 8 Laps, 20 Riders (1-9 to Main Event, 10-20 to LCQ)
8:10 pm – 8:30 pm Intermission
8:30 pm – 8:40 pm Supercross Lites Last Chance Qualifier – 4 Laps, 22 Riders (1-2 to Main)
8:40 pm – 8:50 pm Supercross Last Chance Qualifier – 6 Laps, 22 Riders (1-2 to Main)
8:50 pm – 8:55 pm Track Maintenance
8:55 pm – 9:00 pm Supercross Lites Parade Lap
9:00 pm – 9:20 pm Supercross Lites Main Event – 15 Laps, 20 Riders
9:20 pm – 9:25 pm Supercross Lites Victory Circle
9:25 pm – 9:30 pm Supercross Parade Lap
9:30 pm – 9:50 pm Supercross Main Event – 20 Laps, 20 Riders
9:50 pm – 9:55 pm Supercross Victory Circle
But as with any other weekend, there's always a couple of spoilers waiting to pull off an upset win, and this year those two contenders are Ryan Dungey and James Stewart. Now, since all three of the contenders call Florida home these days, none can be considered to have any sort of home track advantage, although Stewart is the only true Florida native. Dungey's ride in St. Louis must have been motivational for him since he'd hurt his shoulder the week prior and clearly wasn't at 100%. Despite that, he put in his best laps toward the end of the race when he reeled in Villopoto and made it clear that had he started up front with him that he would've given him a run for his money that night. Dungey, too, is a great outdoor rider and multi-time champ and would love to add a Daytona cup to his mantle.
Last year's horrendous crash by James Stewart while destroying the field at Daytona was probably the most re-played crash in the history of the sport. His sprint into the lead and his ability to pull away from the pack was awe-inspiring to say the least, and after the season he's having this year, it's likely that he'll be looking to leave a mark again this year.
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Justin Brayton's inspired ride to his first podium of the season in St. Louis was remarkable for several reasons, not the least of which was that he finished closed to the Ryan's after 20 laps. That's only happened a coupe of times this season, folks, and one of the riders who did it (Chad Reed) is no longer racing. Brayton may have just bridged the gap to super-fast right before our eyes at the Edward Jones Dome, and his timing couldn't be better since we still haven't crowned a "Best of the Rest" rider. If past outdoor race results are any indication, though, don't look for Brayton to be hitting the podium at Daytona. He fitness is also a bit of a question too since he's reportedly not been riding during the week due to the injury he sustained to his leg in his San Diego crash several weeks back. Daytona is not the place to be not your best.
Kevin Windham's 201st main event start in St. Louis was remarkable not only becaus it was his 201st start, but because this thirty-something year old living legend put in a great ride to nearly reach the podium in St. Louis. Windham has always been good at Daytona too, having won the epic mudder there a few years ago so look for KDub to be on pace for a podium finish this weekend for sure.
The new and improved Justin Barcia continued on his dominant path to the east Lites title only this time making more of a statement by beating Ken Roczen straight up. Expect more of the same for Daytona, although if Roczen has a strength it is most certainly outdoor motocross racing as this is only his second season ever racing Supercross. Word around the pits now is that Barcia will be on Trey Canard's factory 450 Honda after Seely returns to the west series.
Blake Wharton finally made his first podium appearance in St. Louis in an impressive ride that had him battling for the duration with Justin Bogle. Wharton has been on the pace all season but has had some unbelievably bad luck thus far. This time it worked out in his favor as Bogle hit the dirt on the last lap which took some pressure off of Wharton's shoulders.
MotoConcepts Racing's Jake Canada has really been turning heads the last couple of weekends. With a 6th in the STL main event on what is undoubtedly a sub- par machine is quite a feat these days.
