10 Things to Watch: Daytona
Friday, March 8, 2013 | 9:10 AM
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PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
Double Life
Daytona is the supercross track that rides like a motocross track. Or is it a motocross track that’s been converted into a supercross track? It depends on who you ask (and what era they’re from), but one thing that we can all agree on is that Daytona is absolutely unlike any other track on the circuit. It gets incredibly rough, wet weather often adds to the chaos, and thanks to a huge amount of room, lap times are roughly twenty to thirty seconds longer at this venue. Not surprisingly, proper setup and fitness are especially important here. Will Daytona’s extreme conditions present yet another new winner? - Hansel
Fork Off
Air forks that is, if your name is Chad Reed. After struggling to find a setting he liked with his new air forks through the first half of 2013, Reed ditched the newer, spring-less design in favor of his former suspenders, which translated into a podium (third) finish for the Australian in St. Louis. With the series heading to Daytona, a track where Reed has been victorious in the past, will his new-old setup put him on the box for the third time this season? - Hansel
Reed's adjustment in St. Louis worked out well. Will the momentum continue in Daytona?
Simon Cudby photo
Live Coverage
Remember just a few short years ago when next day coverage of racing was pretty awesome? Only half a day separated race fans from watching the action unfold on television from the comfort of their own couches. Well, things have come a long way in recent years, and thanks to Feld Motor Sports, the promoter of Monster Energy Supercross, we’re enjoying more hours of live racing than we’ve ever seen before, which, in terms of exposure, is a big benefit for the riders as well. This weekend, live coverage resumes, and even though Daytona isn’t promoted by Feld, they deserve a tip of the hat (as do the organizers of Daytona) for spending the money to bring an unprecedented amount of live coverage into the homes of race fans across the country. - Hansel
Out of the Way?
Davi Millsaps’ competitors have been waiting half the season for the points leader to have a bad race, and you could make an argument that it finally came in St. Louis, where Millsaps took sixth. Sure, sixth is still pretty good, especially considering the fact that Millsaps had a run-in with Canard and was dealing with arm pain for most of the race, but it’s also his worst finish of the year. So, while the result itself is good, it’s not so great from Millsaps’ perspective. Does Millsaps have another off-night in him, or will he get back on the box in Daytona? - Hansel
Final Lap Freestyle
If you’ve been watching the LCQs this season you’ve witnessed some fantastic, knock-down drag-out battles unfold. And thanks to guys like Trey Canard and Jimmy Albertson, you’ve also seen some hilarious midair celebrations in the form of the Boner Air, aka, air wheelie, which the two have been performing over the finish line jump every time they win an LCQ. In St. Louis, GEICO Powersport’s Zach Bell became the newest member of the BA club when he went vertical after winning his LCQ, following it up with a harmless crash in the following berm. Hats off to the riders who remember to have fun and provide an added degree of entertainment in a sport where things are usually taken very seriously. - Hansel
Can Millsaps get back on the podium in Daytona?
Simon Cudby photo
Depth Added
It’s not as if the 450SX class needed more talent added to any already loaded field, but that’s what it will get when Western Regional 250SX points leader Ken Roczen jumps up to the 450 ranks in Daytona aboard a 350 SX-F. Roczen is well-versed in the class – having ridden multiple races there in 2011 and 2012, and even challenging for a win against an injury depleted field in Seattle a year ago. Will Roczen shine under the bright lights of Daytona and consume valuable points in a hotly contested title chase? – Stallo
Finding His Groove
Roczen’s 250SX title contending counterpart, Eli Tomac, hasn’t exactly set the world ablaze in the two 450SX races he’s competed in. Tomac, whose starts were a hindrance out west, has continued to struggle off the gate and is finding it much more difficult to recover in a very talented field. The defending Western Regional 250SX Champion’s speed is not in question, but his starts are. Will Tomac make the proper adjustments and make a run toward the top five? – Stallo
Rivalry Brewing?
Wil Hahn and Dean Wilson have occupied the top step of the podium through the opening three rounds of the Eastern Regional 250SX series. With one point separating the two headed into Daytona, the midpoint of the series, will the brewing rivalry begin to boil over? – Stallo
Roczen joins an already deep 450 field in Daytona.
Simon Cudby photo
Marvin Needs to Move
Two-time MX2 world champion Marvin Musquin was considered to be a major threat to favorite Dean Wilson during the pre-season. After a tough start in Dallas, Musquin has shown flashes of speed (third and fourth in Atlanta and St. Louis, respectively), but has yet to challenge for a win. With the rounds ticking away in a short season for the 250 guys (nine races) and already seventeen points back of Hahn, the chase for the championship begins this weekend for Musquin. – Stallo
On the Verge
Since a disastrous 250SX debut in Dallas (failed to qualify) MyPlash/Metal Mulisha Star Racing Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin has lived up to the pre-season billing with back-to-back fifth place finishes. The question that now remains, is when will Martin challenge for his first career podium? Will Daytona prove to be his coming out party? - Stallo
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And the real question is....."Who can be the best at going slowwwwwwwer........fassssterrrr?" (Steve Matthes)
The answer to all those questions can be answered with another question. "Who will get a good start?" Start outside the top 6 and you're history, no matter what your name is, or what your credentials are.
Gentlemen, start your engines.
its going to be kind of a bummer if the championship comes down to points intervened by Tomac or Roczen. Anyone agree? i know that its just the way the game is played but if they get finishes ahead of some title contenders thenn they may really affect the final outcome. part of me wishes they would be courteous and not get involved then the other part of me wants them to take RV out ;). either way im ready for some bar bangin this weekend.
@byrner99 HAHA...Classic! More or less it is " being less cautious"... I would imagine the rules may be revised under the red cross flag and state you must stay single file behind the rider in front of you and not speed up or "begin" to make a pass.....
DAYTONA... no rain (except where I am at ) but looking forward to a great race....The stage is certainly set....
I am interested in the Tomac Roczen saga in the 450's. I feel that so far, while his performances have been largely held back by his starts (when haven't they) he is actually hurting fis future prospects for a lucrative contract in the 450's - yes rumors abound that he has been signed by Geico but are not as yet verified. My point is that he thought that he'd possibly step on that thing and be a podium guy right away. the problem is that the guys he is racing against were AT LEAST as fast and as dominant on the smaller bikes as he is...so this weekend if he doesn't land her in the top five (in the hunt or at least in contact with the leader - not 35 plus seconds back like the last two weeks) or on the box it may be wise to step away before any more leverage (as far as contract negotiations are concerned) is lost. Wat if Roczen actually beats him on the 350? he was going pretty good here last year. I really Like Tomac - especially his Attitude and work ethic - I just feel that right now with thids feild of champions his anbition may have got the best of him...
Lets hope for a fun event and that everyone gets out of there unharmed.
Any news on Grant? Considering Chiz is out?
Stewart - RV if they are near the front it's going to bne good. Heck evenm if they are not it is goingcto be good.
While it has been refreshing to see a new face or two at the top this season, we can't deny that the tracks have been a joke. Now we come to what used to be considered "the SX race to win" each year and can only expect another dummed down layout. RJ hit home in the recent podcast that Matthes did. Feld has goofed up what was once a great spectacle in our sport mainly by allowing Dirt Wurx within 500 miles of Daytona Speedway. Bring back the 40 man gate and daytime race and let Bailey or Barnett design a real track, if only for one race!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_eaohc8zq8
wesmx you have to beat who ever is out there, I am sure RV is not scared of more fast guys. Are you worried your guy is going to get beat by the new comers?
Alot of guys thought Tomac was going to be right on the podium from the get go..I thought he would be right about where he is and I dont think either he or Roczen will be in top 5 at Daytona......but I could be wrong....
If Reed is up front at the get go and RV, Stewart and Dungey are there with him, it will be very insteresting to see what happens....You can never count the dude out, but I am not sure he'll be able to hang with them...we'll find out tomorrow I guess...
In the past, when Reed has pushed it to stick with or run in front of RV, he has ended up in the dirt (Millville 2011 and Dallas 2012).... The later part of the MX 2011 series, RV and Dungey were 20+ seconds ahead of Reed.... Stewart is obviously on pace with Dungey outdoors based on 2012 MX and I think RV may have an edge over both of them outdoors... Mix the SX/MX together at Daytona and I say RV is still the top dog...So far James is the only one that has run with and mixed it up with RV up front as both Reed and the Dunge have not run head to head with RV.....But who knows....thats why we race boys....going to be a great race and I hope everyone makes it out healthy
The 11th thing to watch could be Dungey. He's lost 19 points to RV in the last 3 weeks, and drifted further back from Millsaps. He needs a podium or the championship will be getting out of reach, barring disasters by DM and RV.
If CR does better now that he went back to last years setup (what the heck took him so long!!) then it will be a bit of a bummer of "what if" he had done it sooner. No matter, hope it works for him so the old JS vs CR battles can make a comeback. Right? ;)
I still think Eli showing up on 450 is good for his future as it is a wake up call to reality of where his problems are. Eli seems to feed on being back in the pack at the start in (a lot of) cases where he gets a so so start. Maybe last year that was good enough. Im thinking 2013 is a wake up call that he better get his cr@p together on the start because when other riders are as fast as him, like Roczen in 250 class, and the whole 450 field is showing, come from behind's dont work with a stacked lineup.
This is going to be an exciting race for sure!
Since Daytona is such a big event, in and of itself, I have always thought they should have both an East 250 race, and a West 250 race at Daytona....run seperately of course.
Yes, I want to thank anyone and everyone for giving me 3 hours of live Daytona SX. In celebration, i will now start drinking and not stop until the checkered flag drops. Yeeeeeets.Wang, thats a parking lot.
The 12th thing to watch will be BD25s race recap. Will racer x hire him already?? He obviously loves writing and wants a column, I say let him have at it.
Daytona is different, I bet the front runners could start WAY back and work up to the front by the end. I am telling you, I have a vibe that Roczen is going to get second place.
Tomac has speed, but it's a tremendous race adjustment from a small to big bike. I am supremely confident he will figure it out eventually, not many riders jump up and perform well.
I think RV is hoping Roczen and Tomac get starts and put MILLSAPS behind them. Davi's new found fitness is going to pay off this weekend.
Reed looks fat to me, so does Stewart. I think being in business takes time away from training and performing.. That's why RV has the edge. Reed is SO successful, maybe he just doesn't like training like an animal anymore, I mean.. It even burned RC out.
I have been reading the newspaper about Chads property in Florida, that must be on the back of his mind. His neighbors are upset that he buried so many gophers with his track.. Those environmentalists, gotta give them credit! They freak out if you swat a mosquito that stings you
Yu gus should give ET a break. If he gets the start he will podium ... it is only question of time. I also think Roczen will fight up front.
Watch oak hill 250 A 2012.
If U'r worried about los'in points 2 the new guys or whomever its time 2 time start think'in about bee'in a trainer or announcer . It aint gonna get any easier. Chad is hear'in the fat lady in the back of his head. This track should favor Bam Bam hope he steals a few of those "valuable" points !!
"Live Coverage" - A few years ago we still had cell phones the size of a suitcase. So because we're now getting a number of "live" feeds (all TV used to be "live", btw) - we're supposed to be impressed. Who pays for this? We do. We pay for the cable channels, we buy the oils and the trucks and the energy drinks (someone does). I think we've shown quite enough gratitude, thanks. Basically, if the broadcast isn't the same day - I don't want to know about it. This is 2013. I have the ability to broadcast a video stream from my phone. I don't see why Feld can't do as much for 15 weeks. Feld chooses to sell some of these races to CBS, and that is why we don't get to see them all. So no, I don't feel grateful. Quite the opposite. I bought the cable package and I don't get all the races. Pfft.
Reed switched to his old forks but, he was basically crashing guys ther at the beginig of that race, just looked like desperate and dirty racing to me then barcia took himself off the podium
If he hadn't done that reed would have still sucked just as a bad as he
Has all season. I bet he crashes out before he realizes he over with yes the fat lady is already singing.
Good points on ET.
I think he just came in a little over confident and found even the 450 guys 8 thru 14 go very fast.
Give him a start and he will be fine.
I am waiting for the next championship twist.
There has to be one.
Maybe RD wins and RV and DM finish 5th and 6th.
A lot of people making RV favourite and for obvious reasons.
But i think JS is favourite.
Dude loves the place and is seriously quick there.
For me i would like to see RV win.
For the champioship i would like to see RD finish ahead of RV who finishes ahead of DM.
1 - JS
2 - RD
3 - JB
4 - RV
5 - CR
6 - DM
And lots of talk about tracks/dirt.
I remember a race in Orlando in the 90's.
was it at the citrus bowl or rose bowl.
either way it was a sandy deeply rutted track and made for great racing.
I would like to see a race on the schedule like that.
and finally.
Someone made a point about having both 250 classes race seperately.
I would like a mid season daytona shoot out.
Both east and west race for a king of the D title in a 30 man field.
Maybe prince of the D as the king would be in the 450's.
I think it would be great.
Everybody out there should ditch the air suspension until it works better - especially Villopoto.
Watch out for Toe Toe this weekend.
Hey wesmx, Tomac and KRoc are not any different than JS and Barcia right now. None of those 4 a real contenders for the title at this point. Besides, I think these spoilers are a good thing.
Chad Reed doesn't have the speed or fitness to win. I guarantee that he won't win Daytona. He can not catch and pass any of the fast guys and he can't hold the lead if he get's the holeshot either. Reed may be good for another 3rd, but that's it. Reed may get it figured out and win at Vegas or Seattle but he don't have what it takes to win Daytona, not this year.
Watch for RV and Eli to kill it. Let's also watch to see what Dungey is made of if he wants to start taking away points from Davi and get in the hunt like a champion would.
@persona-- I wouldnt count Reed out just yet.. He just changed out his entire suspension, so it was obvious he wasnt comfortable with the air forks.. He put his old stuff back on and podiumed.. So he may surprise some people.. The guy is a professional, has been at the top for years.. I think he will be fit and ready, he has been here before.. But to say he doesnt have the fitness is just like saying he isnt prepared, that is wrong, he has been around too long to not be prepared.. Not saying he will win, I just dont think he is as fast as RV, but he is fit enough..
the fastest lap in San Diego was put in by CR,faster than poto,stewi,thee fastest..fact..this most recent main he had the second fastest avg lap time after poto..so that factually makes him one of the fastest racers on the track..are some of you people reading different lap times ?? how many times have you counted the guy out just to see him prove he`s one of the best..stewi,the fastest crasher on the planet only has 3 more main wins than CR..that`s impressive & he`s the all time for being on the podium..did you say he could never beat poto in mx,sure ya did & he did beat him,like a big base drum ..if that doesn`t impress you ,beating that animal 5x nothing will & it has to be personal..he has gone nearly a year without racing & he`s in the thick of it ....I get the feeling after his long accomplished carreer he doesn`t like `fat chicks`...I agree with the comment that said to let Barnett or bailey design the track...the top 5 are within the same second every main
therealmofo how can you sat reed is prepared?? we are 9 races in and he is still working on his bike,and not a little bit.
@BILLC-- If you would take the time to read what I was responding too. persona said Reed didnt have the "fitness" or speed to win at Dayotna.. And I said that is realated to Reeds preparation.. I say it is wrong.. Reed is definatly fit enough to win at Daytona, and is prepared.. @BILLC, do you think RV is prepared, he is still working on his bike too.. Dont you pay attention, he just changed the entire "rake" of his front end before St. Louis, so do you say RV isnt prepared either because he is still working on his bike?? Changing the entire race is about the same as changing out the forks right??? Since you have to remove them anyway to change the rake..... Dont be so hypocritical BillC..
I've been seeing a lot of people saying this guy's in shape and that guys's in shape, some even saying they're all in shape. Yeah, they're all in shape compared to us. Only a few are in the proper shape though. That's why we see so many fade 20 minutes in outdoors. We always see a lot of fading happen at Daytona too. If Reed has RV, Dungey and Stewart behind him, do not expect him to out-fitness them. I do think this area will favor Eli and Roczen some over the usual 6-10 guys. I won't be surprised to see the both of them battling into the top 6 or even better.
@BK-R== Tomac already said he was tired after running 20 laps in Atlanta--And we all saw Roczen fade again and again outdoors.. I would say RV is in better shape than any others.. Based on who his trainer is.. Tomac and Roczen can easily top ten, but I dont think any of those two are in better shape than the guys who have been riding the 450 for 20 laps all year..