Mat Mladin (Suzuki) took his second consecutive Superbike win at Daytona today, finishing a comfortable 3.475 seconds ahead of former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson (Ducati) in the 15-lap sprint race. Ben Spies (Suzuki) took third.
Despite the fact that the Superbikes have been replaced by Formula Extreme 600s in the Daytona 200, the big 1000s are still considered the top class in AMA roadracing, and a victory at the season opener is an important first step in Mladin’s quest for his sixth AMA Superbike championship this year.
Hodgson’s second-place finish today backed up the speed he has shown in pre-season testing, and he looks likely to give Mladin some stiff competition this season.
Mladin’s victory today gives him an early lead in the championship points. For more information, results, and points, check out the official AMA Superbike website.
