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AMA SX: Daytona Preview
Written by: Steve Cox   
Daytona Beach, FL
 
(Photo: Steve Cox) » More Photos

Much like that Daytona 500 is for NASCAR, and the Daytona 200 is for road racing, the Daytona Supercross holds a special place in the halls of Supercross. The Daytona Supercross is the most prestigious round of the AMA Supercross Championship. In the early days, it was always held during the day on Saturday, but after problems with it raining on Sunday and forcing the Daytona 200 road race to run on Monday, the Daytona Supercross was moved to Friday, with the 200 on Saturday, so the AMA and the speedway would have an extra day if need be.

The Supercross was also moved to the nighttime, which caused several other issues. The first was lighting, because the track area in the tri-oval of Daytona International Speedway is only lit from one side, and most of the lights are rightly focused on the asphalt – either in the pits, or on the track. Daytona added lights on the infield, and it has largely fixed that issue. But unlike road racing, motocross and supercross are “rain-or-shine” sports. The race will go on, regardless of the weather.

And that’s probably a good thing, as weather reports show that it’s likely going to rain on raceday for the Daytona Supercross. In
1987, 21 years ago, a rainy Daytona Supercross resulted in the first (and only) privateer winner in Supercross history -- at least in the premier class -- when Rick Ryan paddled his way through the mud to take the surprise victory.

San Manuel Yamaha's Chad Reed (Photo: Steve Cox) » More Photos

So, will there be a surprise winner this year?

Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey had an impressive showing last weekend in Indianapolis, in his 450cc debut, finishing fourth, and battling among the frontrunners for the entire race. He’s also a Minnesota boy, and won Anaheim I in the mud in the Lites class. He can ride mud. Will he be able to beat San Manuel Yamaha’s Chad Reed?

What about Torco Racing Fuels Honda’s Kevin Windham? He is a proven mud racer as well, and he’s raced in Daytona just short of a dozen times.

What about a hometown boy? Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Timmy Ferry is a Florida native, and although he is coming off of an injured tailbone that put him out of last weekend’s race, he could surprise.

All of the competitors in the 450cc class have their work cut out for them, though, as Reed is a very astute mud rider, and is a proven Daytona winner besides.
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