Practice Provides Paychecks As Fan Favorite Pit Stop Challenge Returns For DAYTONA 200

The 84th Running Of The Great American Motorcycle Race Delivers Trifecta: Points, Paid Practice, And Purse

IRVINE, CA – March 6, 2026 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud announce the return of the Pit Stop Challenge for its fifth year ahead of the DAYTONA 200.

Adding to the pressure of the points-paying Supersport weekend, the timed Pit Stop Challenge delivers additional prize money, while pitting team against team in a high-intensity showcase of precision and speed. The competition gives fans an up-close look at the unsung heroes behind the best DAYTONA 200 performances – the pit crews whose execution can make or break riders’ race day dreams.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki took top honors in The Pit Stop Challenge last year with rider Tyler Scott.  Scott would go on to finish 3rd in the 2025 DAYTONA 200 behind his teammate Richie Escalante.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Taking place on Friday, March 6 at 4:15 PM ET in Victory Lane, immediately following Race 1 of the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship, the Pit Stop Challenge will simulate a complete race stop, including wheel changes, a simulated refueling, and a push-off, all timed to celebrate the best performers.

Prizes will include $5,000 for the top team, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third, with additional prizes included for standout performances.

The Pit Stop Challenge purse is generously supported by MotoAmerica partners, including Anthony’s Leatherworks, Cardo Systems, Coatzy Moto, D.I.D Chains, Kabuto Helmets, Mission Foods, Motion Pro, Parts Unlimited, Superlite Sprockets, VP Racing, and Wisconsin’s Biker Lawyer, further elevating the stakes and celebrating the unique skill that keeps DAYTONA 200 contenders at the front of the field.

The Pit Stop Challenge is always entertaining and gives fans an up-close look at the speed and pressure of a DAYTONA 200 pit stop. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

“In a race like the DAYTONA 200, every second counts,” said Chuck Aksland, COO of MotoAmerica. “Pit stops are unique to this race and often play a hand in the final running order. The Pit Stop Challenge gives teams an opportunity to showcase the skill, coordination, and pressure behind the scenes, bringing fans directly into the experience. It’s one of the most exciting ways to highlight the teamwork that defines this level of competition and this event.”

Since its inception, the Pit Stop Challenge continues to be a thrilling addition to the DAYTONA 200 weekend and a must-see event for fans. In 2026, with rule changes reducing fuel capacity on the competing motorcycles, pit strategy and execution will play an even greater role, raising the intensity of every stop.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

Source: MotoAmerica

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