Carmichael Designs Daytona SX
For the second straight year, five-time Daytona Supercross By Honda champion Ricky Carmichael has designed the course that will be located in the tri-oval of historic Daytona International Speedway while Mark Barnett, former Supercross Champion and three-time National Champion, will do the construction and maintenance during the event.
“I was thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to lay out the course last year and return the Daytona Supercross By Honda back to its roots,” said Carmichael, who is also known as the G.O.A. T. – the Greatest Of All Time. “The Daytona Supercross has always had a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to seeing what drama unfolds in this year’s race.”
“We’re excited to have a legend such as Ricky Carmichael lay out our demanding Daytona Supercross By Honda course again,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “The initial feedback from the riders about last year’s course was positive, but the adverse conditions limited the riders’ ability to show their talents. We’re looking forward to again seeing the world’s greatest Supercross racers battle for supremacy at Daytona.”
The Daytona Supercross will be held on a new day during Daytona 200 Week By Honda – Saturday night, March 7. The Daytona Supercross By Honda, which was previously held on a Friday night, will now be held on a Saturday night, which is a traditional day for all AMA Supercross events on the schedule.
And a souvenir program will come in handy for fans as the 2009 AMA Supercross season is loaded with new rider-team combinations.
James Stewart, who hails from nearby Haines City, Fla. and is the 2007 Daytona Supercross By Honda winner, has switched from Monster Energy Kawasaki and will ride for San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Yamaha.
It’ll be the first time Stewart, who missed last year’s Daytona Supercross By Honda due to injury, has ridden anything but a Kawasaki at DIS.
Meanwhile Aussie Chad Reed, a two-time Daytona Supercross By Honda winner who resides in Tampa, Fla., has switched from Yamaha to Rockstar Matkita Suzuki.
Kevin Windham, who survived the rain and muddy conditions to win last year’s Daytona Supercross By Honda, will be riding for Geico Powersports Honda.
“The rider changes combined with a challenging and demanding Supercross course is going to make the Daytona Supercross By Honda a must-see event,” Carmichael said. “It’s going be interesting to see who comes out on top and can take the momentum and translate it into a championship.”
Tickets for the Daytona Supercross By Honda on are on sale at 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Reserved grandstand tickets are $40 (all ages), advance general admission is $30 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-12 and children under six are admitted free with paid adult. Trackside upgrade is available for an additional $15.
