Herrin takes fourth consecutive win, Yaakov claims first-ever woman podium
At the 84th running of the legendary Daytona 200, the history books got a rewrite thanks to a trio of factors- Herrin, Yaakov, and Ducati. Tim Lester was there to capture the history-making moments for us.
First of all, Josh Herrin won his fourth consecutive Daytona 200, his fifth overall, tying Scott “Mr. Daytona” Russell and Miguel Duhamel as the most successful riders in the long history of the race. To top it off, Herrin is the first rider in history to take four in a row at the 200, 2023-2026, setting him in rare air indeed.
Josh Herrin and PJ Jacobsen battling during this year’s Daytona 200. Photo by Tim Lester Images.
His victory was not without considerable drama. Locked in a battle out front with rival PJ Jacobsen for much of the race, both riders entered the pits together for the final pitstop. Both had quick, clean pits, then Herrin struck a MotoAmerica pit cameraman pulling out of pit lane, stalling his Ducati Panigale V2 and allowing Jacobsen to scamper clear to gain a 6 second lead. Herrin snaked his way through the lapped riders in an effort to catch Jacobsen, then with eight laps to go, Jacobsen crashed out. Herrin cruised to his historic win by an astonishing 38 seconds over second place rider Tyler Scott and the rest of the field.
Historic podium: Tyler Scott, Josh Herrin, and Kayla Yaakov. Photo by Tim Lester Images.
Second, Kayla Yaakov made history as the first female to ever podium in the Daytona 200, taking a well-earned 3rd place trophy on the platform. Yaakov battled Darryn Binder into the final lap, then slingshot past him on the run to the flag, securing the final podium spot in dramatic fashion. It was a history-making finish, and both race teams and fans were equally as exuberant over Yaakov’s finish as they were about Herrin’s win. “I’m just so happy to be here on the podium,” Yaakov enthused after the race, “and keep showing women they can do it… It’s a special thing I am able to do, and I’m so honored to be in that position now.”
Kayla Yaakov making history on the high banks. Photo by Tim Lester Images.
Third, Ducati made personal brand history in the race, with four of the top five finishers riding Ducati machines, Tyler Scott riding his Suzuki to second place. This was the greatest showing for Ducati in their years of entering bikes in the iconic race, and their years of pouring into teams and machines has certainly paid off in spades. Racing runs deep in the heart of the brand, and their mark is being left in every motorcycle racing discipline, in dominating fashion. Their finishes in the Daytona 200 are truly epic.
Huge thanks to Tim Lester for his outstanding photos and race coverage. For more on the upcoming MotoAmerica racing season, click here:
*Top photo of PJ Jacobsen by Tim Lester Images.
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