Daytona Afternoon Report
Saturday, March 9, 2013 | 2:50 PM
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PrintYes, the Daytona Supercross by Honda isn't as different as it used to be--the race format and track have moved a little closer to the supercross norm than it was back in the day. But, make no mistake, it's still tough.
"It's gnarly," said Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer. "Really gnarly."
The gnarly factor comes from two aspects. First, lap times are long, the fastest time we saw was Chad Reed's 1.18.1 in the first timed session (the second timed practice comes at 3:45). Chances are the track will only get rougher and times will get slower, so you're looking at 1.20 + laps in the 15-lap 250 Main and 20-lap 450 main. Compared to the sub 1-minute races we're used to, this race will feel like it's going on forever.
And, it's rough. With standard supercross obstacles like two triples, a whoop section and a dragon back, riders have to run a regular supercross suspension setup. But the track also features sandy turns, which form up breaking and acceleration bumps like a motocross track. That's rough enough with the ideal setup, much worse when taken on supercross-stiff stuff. The turns have deep ruts, and a few are off camber, too. It's basically like taking a supercross track for the straightaways and a motocros track in the corners. Gnarly, gnarly, gnarly.
So what you have here is a true test. Whoever wins tonight's races has proven to the be the man as far as fitness and general gnarliness (is that a term?) goes.
The rough track certainly feels good for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Dean Wilson, who, the last time he raced a full motocross season, won the 250 National MX Title. His 1:19.0 was over a second quicker than anyone else in the class. Wil Hahn, Jeremy Martin, Marvin Musquin and Zach Bell rounded out that group.
In the 450s, Reed, as mentioned, was fastest on his TwoTwo Motorsports Honda. His 1:18.1 edged James Stewart's 1.18.4, and Ryan Villopoto's 1:18.7. Ryan Dungey and Davi Millsaps rounded out the top five in 450s, with another timed session about to begin for both groups.
It's going to be gnarly!
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Let's get this party started !!
Can't wait !!
It's not 'sub 1-minute races', it's sub 1-minute LAPS. But in any case, as many of us keep saying, many of the 'regular' SX tracks have too-short lap (and therefore main event) times.
I think this is Chad Reed's night then! :) I sure as hell hope it is -- he's the only one of the big 5 who hasn't tasted a win yet, and I sure hope it's tonight!
Where online could I get the race?? Dont have the speed Channel??
@codjh9. Weege may have accidentally been correct when he misspoke. Most of the racing has been completed after the first lap.
mx 800, call some sports bars in your area I'm sure one of them will put it on for you.
Looks like Kenny got his wake up call in the 450 class that is mans world. Should be a good race tonight without a holeshot deciding things this time.
I hope they don't do any track prep once the race starts. It should be gnarly, gnarly, gnarly.
And then RV goes and lays a 1:17.7 on em. The only 1:17 lap of the day.
Long lap times is gonna make lots better for us, thank you Daytona. I agree with another, that there should be about 3 races a season at a Nascar track! Please!!
Ok, lets call the top three. DM18, JS7, RV1. In that order would be nice. Davi is real strong all around. In or out, so it could happen. But I am not putting any money on it. That is my top 3. stamp it?!Q
@mx800 enjoy the races and support the industry. http://tinyurl.com/bbo6m2v
Better extend your DVR a good hour or so!!
RV has a a little over a second over the "former" fastest man on the planet.
Since when did 4 tenths become over a second? hahah
Aside from the bird is the word, have you heard? It will be gnarly.....gnarly.....gnarly.
I guess RV was sandbagging the first practice. It made Reed feel good for a little while anyway.
I'm really surprised KRoc didn't do better. It proves how fast the top 7 are. I still think he'll finish in the top 8.
Tickle must like the layout. Hopefully he can get a good start.
Like I said RV is on a mission to knock DM off the top spot!!! JS7, although I like his style, RV is back to his form and is not about to let this championship get away! It's going to be RV, CR and JS7 if he keeps it mellow and not over ride the track...!