The AMA Pro Motorcycle-SuperStore.com SuperSport class should produce a competitive race at Daytona, with 60 riders pre-entered in the class for young riders and fast local club talent.
The look of the series should be changing this season, with two-time championship winner James Rispoli moving to the AMA GoPro Pro Daytona SportBike class this year. Additionally, the other winner in the 2012 Daytona races, Elena Myers, has joined that class, too.
That doesn't mean the cupboard is bare, though. There is plenty of talent in the series and things are opened up for other riders to claim glory in a class designed to allow young riders to compete on a big stage. And what better lace to start than the high banks of Daytona International Speedway?
One rider who has already made his mark is Stefano Mesa. After winning last season, Mesa is one of the contenders to take the overall title this season. The Boca Raton, FL resident will once again race a Yamaha in SuperSport. Mesa has shown he has the skill to compete, with his passes for the lead at last year's Road America races among the highlights of the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-SuperStore.com SuperSport season.With more experienced riders graduating to DSB, it is time for Mesa to make a championship run.
Mesa's longtime rival Tomas Puerta returns to SuperSport with the RoadRace Factory team. Puerta has won at Daytona before and the Colombian lists the circuit as his favorite track. Puerta has competed in SuperSport each year since 2009 and he has shown he is a talented rider capable of putting forth top results. He's finished third three times in that span. The 20 year-old is looking to up his game in 2013 and contend for the title.
Hayden Gillim is another racer with title aspirations. Gillim finished second to Rispoli last season. With significant experience in dirt track as well as a season in Europe, Gillim has developed remarkable skill and when he is on a hot streak like he found last season in Utah and at the New Orleans finale's race one, he can run away from the field. Gillim will ride a Yamaha for Team 95.
Corey Alexander will race for National Guard/Celtic Racing. The young New Yorker has been a worthy and distinctive figure in Supersport as one of the tallest riders in the class.
Veteran racer Santiago Villa returns to AMA Pro competition on his Addict By Bosi Yamaha. Injuries curtailed his racing last season, but the former Colombian champ is a welcome addition to the SuperSport field.
Other notable entries include the Wyman brothers, Cody and Travis. Both are backed by Harv's Harley Davidson and will race Suzukis. Some other familiar entrants are Travis Oghe (Houston Superbikes) Wyatt Farris (Meen Motorsports) Ryan Matter (Gearzy) Derek Wagnon (Houston Superbikes) and CM Motorsports' Jefferey Tigert.
Qualifying for the two 10-lap finals happens on Thursday and Friday, with races on Friday and Saturday.
For tickets and additional event information, visit the speedway website or call 1-800-PITSHOP.
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