by Davey Coombs
The List: Ten Most Memorable Races From Daytona
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 | 4:35 PM
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With the Daytona Supercross approaching this weekend, we decided to search our memory banks for 10 memorable races from Daytona, which first ran on the infield of Daytona International Speedway back in 1971.
The '77 Daytona Supercross somehow ended up as a special on the CBS Sports Spectacular, which made it a rare network motocross race back in the day. Team Honda took full advantage, as Marty Tripes, Marty Smith, and Jimmy Ellis went 1-2-3 on their factory Hondas. Honda would go on to be a supporter of the event all the way through this day, and Honda motorcycles have won more "Daytona Supercross by Honda" main events than any other brand.
10.) 1974
During his epic career, Roger DeCoster traveled from his home in Belgium to America often to race, but it was usually in the Trans-AMA Series or the midsummer U.S. round of the 500cc World Championships at Carlsbad, California. But in 1974 he came over in March for the Daytona Supercross and raced in the 500 class. He ended up winning over Team Honda's "Rocket" Rex Staten and Husqvarna-mounted Gary Semics for his one and only AMA Supercross win.
Stackable was the winner of the 1975 Daytona SX.
Photo: Moto Verte
9.) 2009
After falling ill and not competing at the Indy SX the week prior, Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Yamaha’s Jason Lawrence turned some heads by pulling the holeshot at the Daytona SX and running away with the lead. After leading seventeen laps on the brutally rough and rutted Daytona course, Lawrence slowly started to fade, allowing defending champion Chad Reed to reel him in for the win. However, J-Law did manage to hold on for the runner-up position—a career-best for New Jersey wild child.
8.) 1975
Steve Stackable could not have known that he was making history when he won the 500cc class in the '75 Daytona SX. That's because Stackable was a Maico factory rider, and the future looked bright for the tall Texan they called "Short Stack." But Maico was about to take a nosedive as a company, and Stackable's win would be their last in AMA Supercross.
7.) 2006
A surprise entry in the AMA Supercross class was the #199 Cernic’s Suzuki of Travis Pastrana. In typical Pastrana fashion, he became the first rider to attempt a backflip in an official AMA event, as he tried to pull the trick over the finish-line double in timed practice. He ended up crashing and was scolded by the AMA. Pastrana went on to qualify for the main event via a second-place finish in his semi behind Chad Reed but was too exhausted to compete in the main event.
Classic Pastrana.
Photo: Simon Cudby
The '77 Daytona Supercross somehow ended up as a special on the CBS Sports Spectacular, which made it a rare network motocross race back in the day. Team Honda took full advantage, as Marty Tripes, Marty Smith, and Jimmy Ellis went 1-2-3 on their factory Hondas. Honda would go on to be a supporter of the event all the way through this day, and Honda motorcycles have won more "Daytona Supercross by Honda" main events than any other brand.
5.) 1996
The knock on Jeremy McGrath was that while he was the best supercross rider of all time (yes, we all already knew that way back in 1996, only halfway through his career!), he really wasn't that strong at outdoor moto, and for all intents and purposes, Daytona was outdoor moto. Iron men like Jeff Stanton ('89-'92) and Mike Kiedrowski ('93-'95) kept Jeremy out of the winner's circle at Daytona, and thus he couldn't shake the rap of being soft outdoors. So in 1996 McGrath laid the wood on everyone, dominating the Daytona SX as part of his record thirteen-race winning streak. After that, there were no more questions!
Smith was part of the Honda podium trio in 1977.
Photo: Moto Verte
4.) 2000
Ricky Carmichael won his first AMA Supercross in the premier class at the 2000 Daytona SX on his factory Kawasaki. In fact, RC dominated the race! But the cool little hiccup here that makes this race special also makes it a great trivia question: How many laps did RC go in his first AMA Supercross win? The answer is twenty-one, as the AMA referee made a mistake and gave Carmichael the white flag twice!
3.) 2008
A torrential downpour forced race officials to cut the AMA Supercross main event to twelve laps, and after leading eleven of those, Chad Reed’s L&M YZ450F seized up a few turns from the finish line, handing the win to Factory Connection Honda’s Kevin Windham. Fortunately for Reed, he lapped enough riders that he was credited with seventh place, earning 14 precious points toward the title, which he won over Windham by 13. Reed’s engine seizure also resulted in a Honda sweep of the podium, with Davi Millsaps finishing second and privateer Jake Marsack finishing third.
Reed's bike seized up on him with just a few turns left in 2008.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2.) 1984
In one of the craziest, coolest moments in the history of AMA Supercross, Johnny O'Mara was battling Rick Johnson for second on the final lap. O'Mara's Honda teammate David Bailey was already well ahead, the win in hand, but O'Show wanted to be second badly, so he hammered Johnson's yellow Yamaha throughout the entire last lap. When they got to the finish line—a steep jump, followed by a long "gator pit" in which the riders would land and bounce through a long washboard of whoops—O'Mara did the unthinkable: he pinned it! He launched his Honda works bike about two and half stories in the air and cleared the entire pit, something no one had ever tried before. He unfortunately fell short to RJ and second place, but he landed in motocross lore as one of the boldest, most innovative riders of all time.
1.) 1987
NorCal Honda privateer Ricky Ryan was known as a hard charger who never really got the breaks ... until this race. After a good start on a wet and muddy course, Ryan picked his way cleanly around the track while the top factory riders of the day—Rick Johnson, Ron Lechien, Broc Glover, George Holland, and more—all had problems. Kawasaki's Jeff Ward was right there and ready to win at the end, only to have the chain pop off his Kawasaki! Wardy would never win the Daytona SX in his long career, while that day's shocking upset winner, Ricky Ryan, would never win anything else. It remains the single greatest upset in AMA Supercross history, and until Chad Reed's win in San Diego last month, it was the only privateer win in AMA Supercross as well.
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sorry....no way chad reed is privateer or is on a privateer bike...there are def parts on that bike that no one can buy at a mx shop!!!
What! no mention of Reeds mind blowing 2005 victory over Ricky Carmichael! Nobody expected that one and the way Ricky went down sperctacularly trying to catch him (classic RC win or crash trying). I must be bias because that was the first race I thought of (and 06 when reed raced with a seperated shoulder [can you tell he's my hero?])
Chad is a privateer! He paid for everything himself. PC does his motors and suspension - with the right $$ anyone can have the same bike. He IS a privateer.
Awesome article! Most of your readers most likely weren't around for half of these.
Your comments have nothing to do with the article.
Neither do your's, Kip
I think the rider who had his chain pop off at the 87 Daytona sx was Keith Bowen not Wardy
sweet sweet article. Davey knows his stuff. just awesome!
How does naming a specific daytona race have nothing to do with the article 10 most memerable races from daytona? I was refering to the privateer comments.
your'e right kip, reed smoking R/c in 2003, and reeds 3rd with a separated shoulder 2006, should have been on that list. Reed is a bad ass at daytona. i think we are in for a GREAT one!
daytona 2005 is at least top five in my book.
#6 on the list was 1978
re: 1987, Rick Ryan's knee was badly swollen and he could barely walk that day. As I recall he couldn't even walk the track that morning. Larry Maiers was quite adamant that he shouldn't even be riding. It was simply bizarre.
After going through this list I have many things to comment on. First off Mr. Coombs, you are so wrong on Team Honda going 1,2,3 at the '77 race. Bob "Hurricane" Hannah won that day on a Yamaha,his first of three at this race. Speaking of Hannah, you failed to mention at the '84 race that Hannah was out front by a mile and kickin' major booty when a berm gave way and he ate s@#t and a chain link fence. He handed Bailey a easy win,much like he handed Bailey the SX and 250 Natl. title the year before when he got injured while leading both series. Finally, how could you not have mentioned Hannah's '83 and 85 wins at Daytona? He killed everyone in '83, his first year on a Honda. I have the race on tape and he was so far out front he was riding wheelies down the straights. After that he put Miss Wrangler on his shoulders in victory lane. And in '85 he won after riding over Jeff Ward's Kawasaki after he crashed while leading. How could you not include these in your top 10? WTF?
If I remember correctly, the '79 race was on CBS, not the '77 race. I remember quitting my summer job (de-tassling corn) so I could be at home to watch this race. Never forget it. Hannah led until the last lap when until "Jammin" Jimmy Weinert got by him on his Kawasaki and stole the win. I also remember Hannah ripping his helmet off and storming into the pits. I have a MXA magazine with a photo of David Hobbs (auto racing) sticking a CBS microphone in Weinert's face. 1979.
'
Me like Chad given his momentum and Dayotna results. and RV to get a good starts and play all his cards.
Dirt
Unless RV falls, I think he and James are going to lay a can of "this is how you ride" aka whoop-ass on the field....maybe not.....Will be a good taste of what the outdoors will hold....Reed was fastest in practice last year after pulling out of the race, so who knows.....just hope nobody makes dumb moves and takes the top guys out.
Lets see if the Dunges fitness against this field gets his train back on track.
Jim
Just cant win huh DC. I liked Reed battlles with RC especially that whooped straighaway shot with the moving camera. Your right about that Omara flatlanded huck , it would be considered epic even today. Can that really have been almost 3 decades.ago ?
Dirt
Speaking of epic hucks ! In the same era RJ threw away an outdoor title in Colorado after grenading his YZ rear (I think) wheel just for bragging rights.
Dirt
Wasn't Ron Lechein a privateer when he won San Diego with a production bike. I was at that race. Very cool.
So, you`re telling me that a 2nd place finish for *shudder* J-Law puts that Daytona race in the ten most memorable? Uhhhhhhhhhh huh. Sure. Whatever.
Hey, ever wonder what happened to the genius at One Industries that said "Dungey gave us an ultimatum - it`s either him or J-Law - let`s stick with J-Law!"? Yeah, neither do I.
i think j-law getting 2nd at daytona, ranks up there with rick ryan winning the thing.
not only that, reed came from far back to win, and stewart went from last to 7th, with a bike that was bent into a pretzel. it was a memorable one for sure.
In the 1987 race as I remember,and I was there,Kieth Bowens YZ250 boiled the water out and seized while leading. Jeff Stanton #56 Yamaha YZ250 in his first year as a pro took second not far behind Ricky Ryan. I don't remember Wardy being there near the end for the win but he may have been.
J-law included in a top ten daytona list cause he pulled the horshack and everyone else had probs,then faded for second before the finish due to his heathen ways. I dont think so.
How is the 2005 Daytona SX not in this?
Regarding #7...
Pastrana competed in the main event in 2006. I remember watching him wheelie thru the whoops past Ivan Tedesco lap after lap before going down in spectacular fashion! This is the same event where RC won and he lapped JS in the process.
I was at this race... I will never forget it! Awesome event!
Good to see alot of support for 05. Good article DC. Racer x is the best.
ok doesnt have nothing to do with article but how many privateers does anyone know that show up at the races in a semi, hes not racing for free hes not that big of a dumb@@@ ok maybe he is. maybe he sold his diamond earstuds for some parts, huh.
That sucks!!! Best race ever was when JS7 showed up with the new KX450 in for the canadian THQ/AMA in Dec of 2005. JS7 fell on the first corner caught up to Ricky then pulled over and let Ricky by then caught him and passed him again. That was the best hands down.
That photo of Marty Smith rocks. Classic body positioning, both for him and the time period.
MC won the 1995 outdoor MX title and was on his way again in '96. But everyone wants to say (including DC) that he wasn't strong outdoors? Give me a break, Windham gets more credit as an outdoor rider than McGrath but has never been a threat for a title.
Does anyone have video or photos of that ´84 finish?? Would be cool to see that.
Nothing compares to Rick Ryan winning Daytona! Chad Reed may be a privateer in todays terms, but that in no way compares to the privateers of the 80's. Chad Reed has millions of dollars, a factory style rig, and tons of outside help in terms of parts that the average guy couldn't buy. Thats not to hate on what Chad is doing, it's just not the same. Rick Ryan was riding a nearly stock bike, also he had a knee injury and they did some backyard mechanic work on his knee brace ( I believe they bolted it to his boot). Even the factory riders of the 80's had it tougher than most privateers do today so it's not really a fair comparison, but thats why it was such a big deal. The thought of a guy paying his own way, riding inferior equipment, often driving himself to the races, and then working a regular job in the off season, was impossible until Rick Ryan.
Reed beating the GOAT straight up was pretty memorable. Shocked the hell out of me. I didn't want to see that. Not a Reed fan, but that was impressive.
I remember seeing that 84 O'Mara pic in old MXAs... it was insane. His wheels had to be 20 feet off the ground and he flatlanded that jump! Bad@ss....
Davey, I can not believe you did not include all of the Bob Hannah wins... everytime he won he spanked the field.The 83 race where he switched to honda and won by like 30 seconds after having trashed his leg the year before was my favorite.I also think you have got to put Ricky Johnsons 86 ride in there also as he put an a** whipping on the field that year.
It sadens me to see J-Law talked about.
Anyone have a Pic of Johnny O'Mara in 1984, I remember seeing that jump once.
1987, Rick Ryan's knee was badly swollen and he could barely walk that day... If I remember right they put screws thru his boot into his knee brace to help him keep it from turning it was so bad.
Jimbo I don't think Dunges fitness is any better then RV or JS have. TC and Reed even for that matter.
Don't forget J-law cut the hole first turn out. He cut the track!!!
rainmanx MC even said himself he did not want to train hard enough to do the outdoors. Doug Henry would have beat him if not for his crash IMO. He was in the points lead when he got hurt.
Nothing to do with racing but I wonder if anyone other than jojo and I know what detaseling corn is? I was LOL on that statement. Hey its hard hot work but easer than bailing hay both are good workouts for racing though.
DC, you certainly know how to ruffle the readers feathers with these articles, keep 'em coming. I DO believe the J-Law race was significant, like him or not. The Jet-Ski race was a good one as well. I think Hannah's wins @ Daytona became so commonplace that they are dismissed although, his win on the Honda was epic (for me at least). Which year was the Hansen / Grant ram-a-thon in the 250's?
What about 1989? The Dogger winning big only to lose after a powervalve gear melted.
There have been some classics at daytona, but the one that stands out in my mind, has to be the jet-ski race, where reeds yamaha self desructed, 2 turns from the finish, while W A Y out front. The AGONY of DEFEAT. ouch!
I agree with Rey Meyer. 1989 was my first visit to 'Speed weeks' & the high banks of Daytona! And that race was epic. I was there all day & even secured a bootleg video from someone filming the race in front of me (VHS haha). Lechien was flying! He was leading for a while until his bike slowed. I think it was Stanton who eventually reeled him in, passed him & went on to win. I was so bummed. I wanted the 'Dogger' to win!
and billc, lets not forget that lawrence had no where else to go, since 3/4 of the field was on the ground right in front of him. If you took all the riders, and moved them 5 feet to the right (so that the track boundary was not an issue) then 2, 14, 22 etc, srtill would have ran into the pileup, while lawrence still would have squirted around the inside, and got away clean, and it all would have turned out the same anyways. That argument has already been chewed to shreds on here, sorry for brining up.
« DAYTONA SUPERCROSS » Greatest SX Ever!!! Villopoto is the successor of Stanton, RJ, RC, and MXKied, I hope a great battle in the main event between Villo & Bubba (and Reed) this week, sorry for my bad English
privateers don't show up to the races in a semi truck!!!! James owns most of his team now, does that make him a privateer to???? Reed is not a privateer
trick don't want to start a pissing match but either way you look at it he cut the track, He could have gone around the mess on the other side and stayed on the track. Thats what the track boundary's are there for.. To out line the track right?
Reed has factory HRC parts in that engine. Who else gets those? That's a fancy little " * " (astrisk) that needs to be placed on his racing status. CR stated in an interview that after he started getting better results he started getting factory support.
Additionally, Mitch Payton doesn't visit every rider at the races that utilizes PC components...that's a double " ** " (astrisk).
Do any privateers have those SX posters in the pits to hand out? I got my CR22 posters at PHX and OAK this year. They are far larger than the factory Kawi "post cards" with RV on them.
Its unfair to the other privateers to call Reed one. The best privateer [dont know who it is] is missing his spot light b/c of this.
if stanton picked canard to win this year that makes him stanton's successor?
true, everyone else could have cut the track to avoid an accident and they'd be off course boundary too.
privateers also dont have teams of staff wiping their butts with $5 bills and tear-offs.
if you have enough support to call yourself a "TEAM" you aint no privateer. 'Team 22' has like 22 people working for him. PRIVATEER comes from the word 'private' meaning you're riding will balls, guts, and "private" parts.
Sorry BILLC, but j-law cutting the track, is just as blurry, as whether or not reed took out stewart last week.
We could ALL go on for days about it, so lets not get started. I respect your opinion, and you respect mine, and lets just leave it at that.
There will be plenty to debate about in the coming weeks, the way things are going in AMA supercross right now. Cheers.
gbs417.. Only factory part Reed got are the clamps... He mentioned this on the latest interview he gave with Steve Matthes...
Engine wise.. Basic stock production he gets from Honda... The support he got, was he didn't need to buy the bikes..
As for the rest.. Pro-Circuit supplies basically everything... And he pays for it.
Again... Reed sees himself as a privateer... He laid down his own hard earned money..
Whether it be him laying down 2-3 million dollars or someone else who spends 100k...
Sucks to be the later one.. For sure.. But that's life.. The one who can spend more, has more chances to get better results.
team 22 2+2.. The word privateer means: " a competitor, esp in motor racing, who is privately financed rather than sponsored by a manufacturer"
And let's define "sponsored"... Which means: "One that finances a project or an event carried out by another person or group"
Is Reed financing his team? Answer.. Yes.. If one wants to believe Reed.. he said he has spend well over 2 million dollars..
Is reed being sponsored by a manufacturer? Answer.. No... Honda is not paying him anything...
Man i remember watching that 84 daytona race wanting the 'O show to win,but when he hit that last jump i was OMG where is he going,I wore that old tape out watching that race so many times,but that last ditch effort was something that will always be burned in my memories.
#6 - Numerous mistakes here. It was the 1979 Daytona SX that was aired on CBS Sports Spectacular - I actually have an audio tape recording of it. It was in 1978 when Tripes, Smith and Ellis went 1-2-3. Tripes and Ellis never even became Honda riders until 1978.
trick, cutting a track is when you take a shorter path than following it. He cut the track. Some things in life are hard. This is not one of those. Somewhat hard is seeing why that race has any particular significance. About 77; I was there and Hannah def won. Holy crap 1977..... I need a nap and a new diaper.