Daytona International Speedway

Overview

The Most Unique Race on the Supercross Calendar

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Daytona International Speedway hosts what is widely considered the most distinctive and challenging event on the Supercross calendar. Unlike traditional stadium supercross tracks, the Daytona course is built on the infield of the famous NASCAR speedway, resulting in a hybrid that combines elements of both supercross and motocross.

Since its inception in 1971, the Daytona Supercross has earned a reputation as a test of both rider skill and endurance. The longer, rougher track develops deep ruts and challenging obstacles throughout the race, demanding a unique approach compared to other stops on the tour.

Track Design and Characteristics

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The Daytona Supercross track is substantially longer than a typical stadium supercross course, measuring approximately 0.6 miles compared to the usual 0.5 miles. This extra length allows for higher speeds and more flowing sections between technical obstacles.

The soil at Daytona is a distinctive sand and clay mixture that creates challenging conditions as the race progresses. The track typically features:

• Longer straightaways than traditional supercross
• Larger, more spaced-out jumps
• Deep sand sections that develop significant ruts
• A mix of supercross-style technical sections and motocross-style flow sections
• High-speed corners that use the speedway’s banking

Each year, the track design is refreshed by a notable figure in the motocross world, with Ricky Carmichael having been the primary designer for many recent editions.

The Daytona Legacy

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The Daytona Supercross has special significance in the sport’s history as one of the longest-running events. It serves as a bridge between the stadium-based supercross series and the outdoor motocross championship that follows later in the year.

Winning at Daytona is considered a prestigious achievement, with the unique track often favoring well-rounded riders who can adapt to changing conditions. Notable riders with multiple Daytona victories include:

• Eli Tomac (7 wins, record holder)
• Ricky Carmichael (5 wins)
• Ryan Villopoto (3 wins)
• Bob Hannah (3 wins)
• Chad Reed (3 wins)

The Daytona Experience

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Attending the Daytona Supercross offers fans a unique experience compared to other rounds of the championship. The venue’s massive size provides excellent viewing options, with many fans setting up along the famous Daytona tri-oval to watch the action.

The event typically coincides with Daytona Bike Week, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the United States, creating a festival atmosphere around the race. Many fans make this part of a larger motorcycle-themed vacation in the Daytona Beach area.

Broadcasting Details

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As one of the premier events on the Supercross calendar, the Daytona round receives special attention in television coverage. NBC typically broadcasts the event live in prime time, with additional coverage available on the Peacock streaming service.

The unique track layout and prestigious nature of the event typically result in some of the highest television ratings of the season, making it a centerpiece of the Supercross championship schedule.