It’s finally here. Winter is fading and engines are warming up. The smell of sticky Dunlops and burnt VP fuel will soon fill the air at the highly anticipated 80th running of the Daytona 200. Motorcyclists from around the world will soon make the annual pilgrimage to sunny, central Florida where the top road racers in the U.S. will be ready to entertain with exceptional speed and endurance.
While the Daytona 200 is an amazing spectacle every year, this year is looking to pack an extra punch of excitement with the return of MotoAmerica/AMA as a sanctioning partner for the event. This means the return of an exceptionally stacked rider lineup for the Supersport event, along with other MotoAmerica support classes like the notably popular Bagger and Hooligan categories.
The team at MotoAmerica has been hard at work getting the details sorted for the upcoming event and they have released the official entry list for this year’s race. Check out our predictions below of favored riders we expect to be near the front of the pack early as they push to endure the grueling 200 miles at 170+ mph.
Jake Gagne #32
As one of the more prominent riders taking the temporary step down to Supersport for this sole event, Jake very well could be the guy to beat. He hasn’t competed on a 600cc machine since his 2014 championship winning endeavor in the AMA Daytona Sportbike category, but he has been absolutely on fire and dominant in the Superbike class for the past two seasons. If Jake and team can manage the tires, fuel, and efficiency of the scheduled pit stops, then expect him to be an easy pick for the win.
Danny Eslick #69
Danny at Daytona is a real threat to any competitors’ chances at victory. Danny is one of the most-winningest riders in Daytona motorcycle racing history, and he’ll be looking to get his 5th victory this year in order to tie records with the legendary Scott Russell. Historically, Danny has been successful onboard a GSXR600, but this year TOBC Racing has decided to switch over to the Triumph Street Triple RS as a result of the regulation updates for the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport class. Will Danny and team find glory aboard the maiden voyage of this new machine? Only time will tell, but if anyone can manage to quickly break in the Triumph at Daytona, it will certainly be the number 69 of Mr. Eslick.
Josh Herrin #2
Herrin is another rider with a wealth of knowledge and experience on the high-banks of Daytona International Speedway. Although he’s been in the Superbike class for several years now, Herrin will be making the step down into Supersport category onboard the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2 for the 2022 MotoAmerica season. Like Eslick with Triumph, Herrin will be looking to prove the Ducati’s mettle amongst the revered and reliable 600cc platform machines. Herrin was able to get seat time on the new bike at Daytona over the winter break and we’re anxious to see what lessons rider and team came away with in preparation for the big event.
Josh Hayes #4
Highly-decorated and former multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike champion, Josh Hayes, is returning to Daytona to throw his hat in the ring for the highly-coveted honor of Dayton 200 champion. Although Hayes is retired from full-time professional racing, he is no slouch on any bike (reference his Instagram motocross posts if you’re in doubt) and his fourth place finish in the 2019 Daytona 200 proves it. The main question here is if his Squid Hunter Yamaha R6 will be capable of closing the gap to the heavy hitters for this year’s event.
Brandon Paasch #96
As reigning Daytona 200 champion, Brandon Paasch will be looking to prove himself as the most favored rider to win amongst his peers in the paddock. He is an extremely talented and methodical racer who has the experience and understanding of draft importance at Daytona. With the switch to TOBC aboard the Triumph Street Triple RS, he’s set for an excellent opportunity with a well-established team to support him. Can Brandon make it a repeat win in 2022?
Cam Petersen #45-
Like his factory Yamaha teammate, Gagne, Peterson is bumping down to compete in the 200 event aboard a purpose-built Attack Performance Yamaha R6. The South African has been training hard in the off-season and will be looking to transfer his vast Superbike experience down into the Supersport division.
Richie Escalante #54
Mexican native Escalante is coming into Daytona hungry for victory. Having lost his title under the shadow of 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport champion Sean Dylan Kelly, Richie is set to prove that he is no runner-up as he looks to reestablish himself as champion. With the support of M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, Richie might have the best opportunity of any rider on the grid to pull off the 200 mile victory.
This is without a doubt one of the most exciting line-ups in Daytona 200 history, and we can’t wait to get down to Bike Week for all the sights and sounds. Follow us on social media for live updates from Daytona and more. See you at the races!
Ryan Yearwood is the motorsports correspondent for SoBros Network as well as the pioneer and visionary behind SoBros Outdoors. Follow on Twitter: @OutdoorSoBro.
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