What We Noticed: Daytona
March 06, 2024
Only speedway on the schedule this year. Here’s what we noticed from round 8.
- Super Soft Track
Sure, the rain on Saturday didn’t help, but this track was going to be super soft regardless of the rain. Daytona had a lot of rain fall on Thursday, and when we arrived at the track for media day Friday it was surprisingly dry but VERY soft; parts of the transitions and jump faces were bouncy from so much moisture in the soil. It seems to be a theme this year: even without rain, tracks have been holding the water very well (almost too well). This has resulted in tacky but rutty conditions, and Daytona was so far the worst; insanely deep ruts all day. These conditions definitely bit a full people: Wilson, Ferrandis, Plessinger, etc. Luckily most riders are leaving Daytona healthy… it could have been worse!
- Statement Ride for Jett
We all know Jett is unbelievably fast. However, we haven’t seen him come through the pack and pass his main title rivals until now (his previous wins were holeshots and leading every lap). Jett was another level at Daytona… it’s no surprise that this hybrid track suits his riding style well, but let’s be real: ANY track seems to suit the kid. It’s scary for his competition to see him straight up catch, pass, and pull away from them as if they were standing still. I posted an article last week stating that this championship is Jett’s to lose: he’ll either win it or crash out on his own accord. I just don’t see anyone being able to match his speed and beat him consistently.
- Tomac Fiery
If this was any other year without Jett, Tomac wins with a late race charge to pass the next best guy: Sexton. He was visibly frustrated after the race, and has been bringing up that he doesn’t want to talk about retirement or “being the old guy”. I wasn’t sure what mentality we would see from Tomac entering this year, but he’s clearly back up to speed now and with that showing signs of fight. A part of me thinks this is all him struggling to come to terms with his impending retirement and a new kid on the block that he can’t beat. In other words, it’s not the picture perfect ending to his career he was hoping for. Regardless, we get to see Tomac continue fighting which is exciting to see!
- 250 Class Points Chaos
Craziest / closest points race ever? It’s only 3 rounds in, but the fact that Anstie is still leading points with 2-6-8 finishes is insane. All of these 250 guys must still feel like they can win this championship… clearly with the current points they can! My only concern is that certain riders (a.k.a. Anstie and Brown) aren’t able to take advantage of other people’s misfortunes (a.k.a. Deegan). Soon enough, one of these guys is going to breakout, and the rest of them will be looking back on these first few rounds regretting they weren’t more consistent and able to capitalize.
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Vialle is Here
We’ve been waiting for another breakout ride from the GP champ! He had one in Southwick last year, but wasn’t able to maintain proper momentum after that. Is this different? He said himself in the post-race press conference that he needs to win on a regular supercross track. I agree, but I will note that he looked calm and collected for his first SX win; this guy belongs up there!
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Daytona is a Bucket List Race
You have to go see it! Bike Week is insane, the crowd has an energy unlike any other, and it’s an iconic racing venue. If you get good sunny weather and seats in the center upper levels it’s perfect.
