Cycle News Staff | February 23, 2023
A Truly International Field Ready To Fight For Glory In The 81st Running Of The Daytona 200
This is a press release from MotoAmerica…
Irvine, CA (February 22, 2023) – Fifty-one riders representing 16 countries and riding six different brands of motorcycles will attempt to qualify for the 81st running of the Daytona 200 on March 11 as MotoAmerica kicks off its 2023 season at Daytona International Speedway, the World Center of Racing.
Fifty-one riders representing 16 countries and riding six different brands of motorcycles will attempt to qualify for the 81st running of the Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Led by two-time defending Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch and his TOBC Racing Triumph Street Triple RS, the entry list for the 81st running of the 200 is impressive and includes three former Daytona 200 race winners: Paasch (2021, 2022), Danny Eslick (2014, 2017, 2018) and Josh Herrin (2010).
The 2023 Daytona 200 will truly be an international affair as 16 countries will be represented: United States (32 from 18 states), Canada (2), Portugal (2), Great Britain (2), Cuba (2), Czech Republic (1), Spain (1), Brazil (1), Australia (1), Guyana (1), South Africa (1), Ireland (1), Argentina (1), France (1), Italy (1) and Peru (1).
As for the motorcycles being raced, six different manufacturers will have motorcycles attempting to qualify for the 81st running of the 200.
Yamaha, the winningest brand in Daytona 200 history with 27 victories, will have the most representation in the race as 24 riders have opted to compete on YZF-R6s. Suzuki and Kawasaki both have nine of their GSX-Rs and ZX-6Rs entered, respectively, then comes Ducati with six entries followed by Triumph’s two Street Triples and the lone MV Agusta F3RR entry.
“We’re thrilled with our entries for the 81st running of the Daytona 200,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “This will mark MotoAmerica’s second year of running the race and interest in the event continues to rise at a rapid rate. To have riders from 16 different countries heading to Daytona Beach is huge as one of our goals was to work toward building the race into a truly international event as it once was. I think 16 countries being represented shows that our goals are being realized. It’s also impressive to have six different manufacturers with an opportunity to win the Daytona 200. We’re really looking forward to getting to Florida and getting the 2023 season started. It’s going to be a good one.”
For a pdf of the complete entry list for the 81st running of the Daytona 200, click here.
Pit Stop Challenge Set For Day Prior To The Daytona 200
The Top Teams Will Face Off To See Who Can Perform The Quickest Pit Stop
Irvine, CA (February 23, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the second annual Pit Stop Challenge will be held on Friday, March 10 – a day prior to the 81st running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway, sponsored in part by Pirelli and Bridgestone.
The second annual MotoAmerica Pit Stop Challenge will again take place in Daytona International Speedway’s Victory Lane the day prior to the Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
The Pit Stop Challenge gives spectators a close-up look at what goes into a winning pit stop in the Daytona 200 as they witness the top-five qualifying riders and their teams perform their high-speed magic as they change both wheels, simulate filling the motorcycle with gas and then see that team pushes their motorcycle across the timing strip for the fastest time. But it’s not just about speed as teams forgetting to tighten an axle nut will be disqualified.
Last year’s inaugural Pit Stop Challenge was a popular addition to MotoAmerica’s activities at the Speedway with five teams challenging for glory and the lion’s share of the $16,000 purse, which ultimately went to the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team and Josh Herrin’s Panigale V2.
The Pit Stop Challenge will be held at the conclusion of on-track activity at the Speedway with teams heading for Victory Lane where the competition will begin held in front of a packed grandstand.
“Last year’s inaugural Pit Stop Challenge was a lot of fun to watch,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The fans loved it, the teams really got into the competition of it all, and the event was a complete success. For those who can’t be there in person, the contest will be broadcast on MotoAmerica Live+ with Michael Hill again calling the action and getting the crowd pumped up in Victory Lane.”
With 100 percent of the funds donated by sponsors going directly to the purse, the winning team from the Pit Stop Challenge will take home $7500 plus another $1000 worth of VP Fuel. The second-place squad will earn $5000; while the team who finishes third will get a payout of $3500.
For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com
