This was my first time to Daytona International Speedway and it lived up to the hype. A huge venue for a one the most iconic races on our calendar. I spent the day Friday doing some Racer X factory bike videos and Saturday as my kid’s supporter as he was racing the SMX Next race. Here are some things that I took away from attending this year’s Daytona.
Eli Tomac: Toothless Tomac does it again. Eight times this dude has shredded the crap out of Daytona and from the time his wheels hit the ground on press day you could tell that it was just going to be his weekend. As I was sitting on the floor watching Tomac circulate you could see how much harder he was coming into corners compared to the other riders. He was just simply more aggressive than anyone else through each passing sand corner. He had his trusty scoop on and when Tomac puts a scoop on, you know it’s going to be a tough day for the other riders in his class. Another thing I haven’t noticed before until Daytona was how much he loads his clutch before he hits the first whoop. We all know he rides the clutch a lot but what I didn’t know was how much he loads the clutch before getting into the whoops. This allows the RPMs to build up while in fourth gear. Normally Tomac hits whoops in third gear but in Daytona fourth gear was on the menu. While others may have been sucking wind after the main event, Tomac was snapping trophies off for breakfast.
Ken Roczen: Last year’s winner just needs another 8 minutes in him and he can win another one of these things. His first 10-12 minutes are insane but the end of these races has been getting more often than not. Kenny decided against the scoop tire and that is surprising for how soft the track was. Kenny is not out of this title fight yet so don’t count him out but seeing how Lawrence and Tomac are not having “horrible” races, it might be tough to make up.
Garrett Marchbanks: Garrett and the team made some bike changes and you can visibly see that it is working for “The Manchild”. Just because Sexton is having issues doesn’t mean they aren’t going to work on the 36 machine. Garrett’s bike is conering better for him and has enough manageable power that the engine character is helping the bike setting into corners better. Look for anther evolution of the 36 machine next weekend in Indy.
Justin Hill: The results aren’t showing how well 46 is riding. Jr is shredding and if he can get some starts a couple top fives are in his future. Jr was one of the only ones rhythm’ing through the sand section the most efficiently and the segment times through that area proved that. If you’re at one of these rounds in person, take the time and watch Hill ride in qualifying. It is some of the most entertaining times you will have during the day.
Seth Hammaker: For a dude that slammed himself into a face of a jump, coming back and dominating the main event was kind of a surprise to me. Seth is not a rider you watch ride and think to yourself that guy is ripping, but he gets the job done efficiently and is a TOUGH SOB.
Cole Davies: “DGAF” is what I think about when I watch the 37 send it into the whoops! Holy shit, man. It’s like a smaller Mookie, honestly. A second place is a step up from Arlington so I believe we will see a “W” come Indy. A tighter more technical track like Indy will play into Davies hands. He isn’t much of a wide open type of rider as he is more skilled at more technical tracks.
Cullin Park: Shout out to Cullin Park and the Phoenix Honda team. The bikes look a lot better than it did last year with how much power is available to Cullin. I think with Cullin being a bigger rider, starts will be hard to get with the likes of the Star Yamahas and PC bikes but I do think the “east” is a deeper coast than the “west”. Park is also a rider who will be better in more technical conditions so look for Park to be near the top five in Indy. You fantasy guys take notes.
Deacon Denno: Triumph is hangin there hat on this kid right now because he brought them their first win of the year. Triumph has had a tough go at it this year. Sure, it’s only an SMX Next win but it is a win nonetheless and it was in convincing fashion. A technically sound rider and one of the most picturesque styles in the “amateur” class. I feel like Triumph needs to move him up to the big boy class as he looks ready to be out there and honestly he could be a top five’s guy right now I feel. I did a walk around on Deacon’s race bike in Daytona that should be up on Racer X’s website here shortly. Denno’s amateur machine isn’t a full spec pro machine but it’s damn close. If you check the 199s lap times you will see the future is NOW for this kid! Great ride and congrats to the whole Triumph team.
