2008 AMA/FIM Supercross Race Results - Round 10 - Daytona Beach, FL - March 7

Recap

Daytona International Speedway hosted round 10 of the AMA/FIM Supercross Series in some of the worst track conditions ever - it rained. A lot. Track conditions were something supercross hasn't seen in a while. Not only was it muddy and raining, but their was standing water on most of the track.

The supercross itself is part of Bike Week - over a week of events and happenings attended by hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists from all over the world. Bike Week is something you need to experience at least once in your life in you are a motorcycling fan.

Besides the weather being a big part of the story, another part of the 'story' before the actual racing started was the announcment of the AMA making an agreement with DMG (Daytona Motorsports Group) to take over the AMA's professional racing properties, and sanctioning functions, something that has been in discussion since last fall.

In the 250cc Lites class, it was once again Honda rider Trey Canard winning the ten lap main event. Ryan Villopoto was second, with Matt Boni third. Riders were virtually unrecognizeable after just one lap - completely covered in mud.

Trey Canard won his third 250 main in a row. And for those of you that don't know Trey - great guy - has confidence in himself and his abilities, works hard at all the things he can control (practice, conditioning, nutrition, etc.) yet is very humble and appreciative.

Villopoto was second. He's not going to give up in the championship chase for the Eastern series. Too strong, too good, and a great team behind him. In racing, so much can happen (read about tonight's 450 main event!) ... so you know he's just going to keep going for wins.

Third was Matt Boni, and he was very excited to be up on the podium.

In the 450 class, early on it was a nice battle between the top two riders in supercross, Chad Reed & Kevin Windham, with Reed eventually pulling out a lead. Chad looked set to win, having lapped up to fourth place in less than ten laps, but heartbreak - with only three corners left to go until the checkered flag in the 12 lap main, Chad's bike stalled, and he could not restart it. Windham happily cruised by, fully encrusted in mud, but victorious none-the-less.

Winner Kevin Windham said it was the most brutal & gnarly race conditions he's ever experienced, and the win is very special in his career, since Daytona is the most prestigous supercross in the USA. He said the emotions of the last lap were like a roller coaster - he saw Chad out front, fireworks going off, thinking he was going to finish second ... but then saw Chad stalled three corners from the finish, and realized he was the winner of the Daytona Supercross by Honda, 2008 edition.

For Chad, although still in the championship points lead, heartbreak is the only way to describe his race. He was running well out front .... but three corners before the checkered, the bike stalled or quit, probably because of the amount of water the bikes were subjected to, and Chad was unable to get the bike going again - just three corners from the finish.

Davi Millsaps, second place finisher, also said it was the worst riding conditions he's ever experienced. He said the last corner before the checkered flag the water was deeper than the bike. He thanked the fans and media for coming out ... but also said he hopes he never has to ride in conditions like that again!

Jake Marsack took the third spot on the podium - what a great ride and night for the likeable Honda rider.

We'll have a full Daytona wrap up Monday night.

Thanks to everyone at Daytona International Speedway for their assistance.

Photos

It rained in Daytona. And kept on raining! Kevin Windham wins 450 Supercross Main Event. Trey Canard continues his win streak at three straight in the Eastern 250 Supercross Lites.