We’re in the World Center of Racing for the start of Bike Week and the ninth round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship, the 2022 Daytona Supercross. People have said for years that the championship doesn’t really start until we get to this race, but seeing how the last two months have played out, we can only imagine what could happen from here.
Dirt bikes have raced on the infield of the speedway since 1974, starting with the Yamaha Super Series that was won by MX legend Pierre Karsmakers. Not missing a year since makes Daytona International Speedway the one of the most visited venues on the schedule, second only to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Although the race has changed considerably in the past 52 years, going from a 40-man day race in the Florida heat to a nighttime event with the 22 riders on the track, it remains one of the most challenging rounds of the season.
Ricky Carmichael’s legacy at Daytona is impossible to overlook, as the five-time winner has become highly active since his retirement through the amateur race and the track design. RC went all-out this year and used as much of the grassy ground as possible for a .625-mile layout that seems to be split in half. One side of the track appears to be fast and flowing, with deep sand and long sections that will encouraging riders to twist the throttle. The other part, with tighter turns and technical obstacles, looks like it will favor those who are more methodical and precise with their line choices. All of the usual elements are in use, including the bright red clay, white beach sand, dark dirt ripped up from beneath the turf, offset rockers, split lane turns, the over-under bridge, and a finish line that draws even with the paved track’s checkered flag stripe.
Eli Tomac comes into the weekend as the heavy favorite, as the rider is currently tied with Ricky Carmichael at top of the all-time Daytona SX wins list. ET3 has won the 450 Class five times through career, on both Honda and Kawasaki equipment, and the weekend’s test will be to see if he can make six on the Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha.
