Daytona Supercross 2024 wrap up
It was the Daytona round of Supercross and I did not think it was possible, but seems like the hype and build up was even higher this year. Daytona is always a big race, but with the Jett Lawrence storyline and the recent resurgence of Tomac it only added to the fuel with this round being a big one historically for Eli.
250 Class
The 250 East racing has been a crazy roller coaster so far in 2024. We had the huge first turn crash in Detroit that took down multiple title favorites. Then the terrifying crash of Austin Forkner in Arlington just as he was looking like the dominate athlete taking control over the east championship. Entering Daytona this week the field appeared to be open again with the easy money leaning towards Haiden Deegan to take control. Everyone can’t be too quick to right off Mcadoo as he has been riding strong after being taken out in Detroit and lets not forget about Anstie who’s quietly the one with the points lead and red plate.
The weather would once again decide to play a factor in Supercross with it being raining in the past weeks and several short but strong downpours on race day. This would lead to a very soft and rutty racing surface that made things challenging. We saw pretty much every rider strugle through the day and evening of racing, however the conditions did seem to not bother Tom Vialle as much as others as he rode well all day and moved up the field to win the main event. Haiden had a pretty big get off in first qualifying, cross rutting on a triple landing on his backside. He rode away early from the session and did ride in qual two but did not put up a great time which was likely due to some soreness and the much worse track conditions.
Daytona 250 Results
Tom Vialle Avignon
Cameron Mcadoo
Seth Hammaker
Haiden Deegan
Pierce Brown
Updated 250 East Points
Max Anstie (52)
Cameron Mcadoo (51)
Pierce Brown (51)
Tom Vialle (49)
Haiden Deegan (49)
450 Class
The hype coming into the weekend was similar to the build up of a heavy weight fight weekend. We had Jett stepping up trying to wrestle away the momentum from others and entering the house that Tomac rules for nearly the past decade. Oh and don’t forget about Webb, Sexton or Roczen all right there and just as hungry and all have a win this season.
With all that said the track conditions, build, and weather were sure to play heavily in how things went down this year. We saw sloppy conditions in practice and qualifying. The rain outburst affected things enough that the second 450 qualifying session was canceled in order to try and preserve the track for the evening of racing.
The main started out just as anyone would hope, Chase grabs the holeshot with Eli and Jett right behind him. We saw them all stay close to each other with the gaps rubber banding around a bit but never getting too far apart. Then just as we see Eli pounce and grab the lead from Chase only to have Jett sneak by both of them in the next corner. The group stayed close for another couple of laps but Jett slowly built a more comfortable gap over the other two with Eli and Chase remaining close for rest of the main with some close passing opportunities before Eli ultimately grabbed second place and rode it home.
Daytona 450 Results
Jett Lawrence
Eli Tomac
Chase Sexton
Cooper Webb
Ken Roczen
SX Futures
The conditions this year at Daytona would be especially harsh for the budding group of SX Futures riders. We saw Team Green rider Drew Adams battle his way to the front and leave with the win. Cole Davies continued his strong performances this year followup up a win in the first futures round with a second here and cementing him at first place in the season points total.
SX Futures Podium
Drew Adams
Cole Davies
Casey Cochran
Photo Cred: Feld Motor Sports
Daytona Supercross 2024 Press Conference
All images courtesy of Feld Motor Sports