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AMA DSB: 72nd Daytona 200 Preview
The 72nd running of the fabled Daytona 200 will take place this weekend at Daytona International Speedway.
AMA Pro Racing  |  Posted March 12, 2013   Daytona Beach, FL
(Photo: AMA Pro Racing/Brian J Nelson)
PROGRAMMING NOTE: The AMA Pro Superbike season opener will air on SPEED on Friday, March 15 at 6:00pm ET with Race 2 airing Sunday evening at 9:00pm. The Daytona 200 will air on SPEED at 1:30pm ET on Sunday, March 17. The Vance & Hines HD race and the twin SuperSport races will air LIVE on SPEED2.

The most historic motorcycle race in America has constantly evolved over the years, beginning as a race held on public roads and the beach to a contest held on the famed high banks of Daytona International Speedway. The machinery has changed over the years and the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona Sport Bikes have delivered close and exciting battles in recent seasons. The final outcome has often came down to the sprint to the line on the final lap, with the draft playing a major role after 199 miles of jockeying for position.

With reigning champ Martin Cardenas moving to AMA Pro National Guard Superbike this season, the face of the series has changed. As a two-time champ, Cardenas could always be counted on to fight near the front.

The class has plenty of up-and-comers vying for glory along with a nice mix of veteran riders. The preseason favorites to replace Cardenas at the top include Cameron Beaubier of Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha and Dane Westby of GEICO Honda.

After an early injury, Beaubier rose to the front last season and battled with Cardenas on numerous occasions, winning his share of the battles along the way. Beaubier is fast on the Yamaha and proved his prowess last year. The Californian's smooth and precise style has served him well in the middleweight class. His biggest issue this season will be staying healthy in order to gain maximum points for the championship.

Westby earned second in the championship last season. The Honda-mounted rider (a change for this season) continued to hone his game throughout the year in 2012 and the consistency paid off in the points. "The Wolverine" is known for his hot streaks in which he's almost untouchable. Westby has won Daytona SportBike races previously, so the next step for the Oklahoman is another championship run.

Last year's winner, Joey Pascarella, returns to the scene on a Triumph. The Californian will attempt to defend his win on the Riders Discount Racing Triumph Daytona 675. Last year, Pascarella rode a masterful race, showing good form to stay at or near the front before crossing the line and winning the biggest race of the year.

Another star from last year's race is Jason DiSalvo. The veteran put on a spirited charge after issues early in the race and nearly won. DiSalvo will once again race for Latus Motors Triumph. The English brand last won the 200 in 1967 with Gary Nixon and this year has arguably been their best hope since then.
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