Daytona Supercross – Form guide before 2023

Daytona is the Monaco of AMA Supercross.  MXGP has lost Namur but Daytona is for sure THE classic race in the calendar that they all want to win. Despite the addition of other Speedway-based circuits, it is also still fairly unique in its layout and surface.  Here’s a quick glance at what the major players in 2023 have done at Daytona through the years…

Words: Ben Rumbold | Featured Image: Align Media

First of all, the top 5 in this year’s series have all climbed the podium here in previous seasons.  Obviously Eli Tomac is the only 450 winner lining up this weekend, but Cooper Webb has chased him home in most of those years, even when he was struggling on the Yamaha.  Can Webb go a step further tonight?  Chase Sexton was 3rd last year and earned 2nd for two years in a row on the 250.  Jason Anderson hasn’t mounted the podium since 2017, and Kenny just got beaten by Eli in 2020, and to Ryan Villopoto in 2014. Amazingly Kenny even got 8th on a 350cc KTM back in his MX2 title year, 2011, before he even turned 17!

From 6th to 9th in the standings, we can see the mixed bag endured by Aaron Plessinger, despite many thinking the track would suit him. Justin Barcia won on a 250 11 years ago! Christian Craig got a 4th in the 450 class 5 years ago, higher than he has managed in his full 450 “rookie” year so far! Joey Savatgy climbed a 250 podium the year before that, so they will all be looking at the positives going into tonight.

Colt Nichols hasn’t made it to Daytona in the last 7 years, so will be trying to pump in the practise laps for sure today. Dean Wilson has been steady here since he got 3rd on a 250 THIRTEEN years ago. Dylan Ferrandis did the same thing just 6 years ago, but RJ Hampshire has yet to take the bubbly at the Speedway as he looks forward to his 450 debut.

Of the leading 250 men coming into tonight, you’ve got to tip your hat to Jeremy Martin’s record at Daytona. A win and five more podiums in seven appearances, one of which on a 450 six years ago, splitting Tomac and Anderson on his Geico Honda. Apart from that, Hunter Lawrence and Max Anstie have only been here once apiece, and Nate Thrasher will be turning his first laps there this weekend.  Jordon Smith won back in 2018 so if he can keep it together he could well be a threat.  For sure it’s gonna be a fascinating night of racing at the Speedway!