The first editions of the “DAYTONA 200 MILES” were held starting in 1937 on the Daytona Beach Road Course and then moved in 1961 to the Daytona International Speedway circuit.
For many years the track remained practically unchanged, winding largely along the banked oval used for NASCAR races and including a slower internal section, like the track of the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race. The 1977 edition, won by Steve Baker, was valid for the MotoGP championship, in the Formula 750 class.
Since 1985 the race has been held with superbike category motorcycles, also attracting the best European riders. Following the renovation works on the first part of the elevated route (the West Bank) which took place at the end of the 2004 season and which increased the speed of that stretch, for the 2005 race it was decided to contest the 200 Miglia with motorbikes of the AMA Formula Superstretch crossing the area inside the track, thus having a length less than half a mile compared to the previous year and requiring the increase in the laps of the race.
The race is one of the most competitive in American motorcycling due to some elements that make it resemble endurance races, such as the pit stops for changing tires and refueling and the probability of the “safety car” entering the track. Among the great champions we know of the last 50 years: Giacomo Agostini, Johnny Ceccotto, Eddie Lawson, Freddie Spencer and Kenny Roberts.
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