Rookie Report: Daytona

Rookie report, it’s back! I thought I was bringing this new great idea to the table. Then Troy said that Vurb did this 14 years ago, but to hell with that I’m taking over now. Each week I’m going to report on the rookies in the 250 class and give you a little insight on how the new guys are doing.

Daxton Bennick – Monster Energy / Star Racing Yamaha

Qualified – 1st

Heat – 5th

Main – 10th

Grade – A

Dax yet again had another standout week, but mistakes in the main held him back. With only one qualifying session Dax was able to take the number one spot and continued that momentum into his heat race where he would lead a majority of the race before a tip over would set him back to fifth. Bennick would continue to have a few mistakes in the main, but would fight back to finish 10th. With the conditions of the track, and with the mistakes, I think Dax was once again the stand out rookie. Every week he’s looking stronger and stronger on the track. Most of the mistakes this weekend seemed to come from the conditions of the track, but that’s part of it. If Dax can piece together a weekend like he started to have this past weekend, we’ll see him back on the podium. Let’s not forget the rookie is only eight points out from the points leader Max Anstie. We all know how quick things can change in this sport, so even though he sits 7th in points, do not count him out as a title contender.

Nick Romano – Monster Energy/ Star Racing Yamaha

Qualified – 18th

Heat – 6th

Main – 13th

Grade – C

Although the conditions were not the best, I expected Nick to have a much better weekend. Romano seemed to struggle all weekend with the difficulty of the course and could never find a groove. As soon as Nick would get a good flow going he seemed to toss it away. Romano posted on his Instagram saying that he felt like a rookie out there and is looking forward to moving onto Birmingham healthy and hungry.

Tyler Stepek – RRG

Qualified – 31st

Heat – 7th

Main – 19th

Grade – A

Stepek had an average qualifying, landing about the same spot he had the previous rounds, but the tough conditions and rough track made for a night Tyler will never forget. He was able to qualify for his first ever Supercross main event straight from the heat. Maybe Stepek is hoping for those conditions every week? Either way, Tyler was able to land a spot on the starting line for his first Supercross main and managed to score three points. Congrats Tyler!

Bryce Shelly – Dirt Bike Depot Racing

Qualified – 29th

Heat – 12th

LCQ – 12th

Grade – C-

This poor kid man, luck is just not on his side. Bryce had an unreal year testing the waters in the 450 division this previous outdoor season, where he rode four rounds. His best finish being an 11th at RedBud. I had high expectations coming into the SX season for Shelley and honestly thought he would be one of the underrated rookies. Bryce has seemed to struggle with qualifying and has found himself in the LCQ every round and always on the bubble of being in the main event. Mistakes and bad luck have been haunting him. I’m really hoping to see him turn it around in Birmingham and get himself into the main event.

Jorgen Talviku – CREO KTM

Qualified – 41st

Heat – 18th

LCQ – 13th

Grade – B

Jorgen had just missed qualifying by one spot, but was able to sneak into the night show with someone dropping out of the race before the heats began. While qualifying didn’t go the way he wanted, Jorgen improved every time he hit the track. The Estonian seemed pretty comfortable with the conditions, but on instagram he said he struggled with finding the settings he was looking for. Although he finished 13th in the LCQ, Jorgen showed improvement throughout the night and posted that he was happy with his results. This is only Jorgen’s second race of the season as he missed the beginning of the east coast season due to competing in another series. As I said in the last rookie report, I think we will see Jorgen competing for a qualifying position.