The first of two AMA Superbike races at Daytona took place on Friday afternoon. Under cool skies and surrounded by another 24 riders were the shiny machines of the KTM/HMC team with Chris Fillmore and Taylor Knapp.
Fillmore sent us this message: “We suffered brake issues in every session yesterday. I would come into Turn 1 off the banking and the brake would come all the way to the bar as I was forced to run straight-on at over 150mph. It really made it tough to find a rhythm with no confidence in the front brake. If we fix the brake, I reckon dropping lap times should be no problem because I feel that the bike is much stronger this year.”
Chris Fillmore after Q2: “P13 4th row not were I wanted to be starting. Again more brake issues this morning keeping me from making a flying lap. We completely changed the brake assembly on my bike and have our fingers crossed for the race.”
Chris Fillmore after Race 1: “Heading in still a little nervous about the brakes and not getting up to speed on the track yet. I had a good start and made up a few positions right away. Things starting to settle in a bit and I found myself battling with my teammate Taylor entire race back and forth. We probably changed positions almost every lap until he had the back seat ( the better position to be in) leading to the checkers and was able to draft past me just before we cross the line. 10th position is not where I want to be finishing but with all the problems leading up to the race Ill take it today.”
In the race, which was won by Josh Herrin, the KTM duo Fillmore / Knapp dashed to 9th and 10th positions. Photographer Brian J. Nelson has sent us a nice selection of orange action from Florida…just click through the gallery.
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