They re serious, they want to win. But the key to the race, according to Russell, is simple. The tires are the big thing, Russell proposed. You got to be able to manage your tires. You got to be able to ride on these brick-hard tires for 57 laps without getting into trouble.
Good pit stops help too.
Being able to run fast on the hard tires is what others guys have problems with. Another rider to watch is three-time Daytona 200 champ Miguel DuHamel. DuHamel, arguably one of the toughest riders in the history of the sport, last won the event in 1999 while still recovering from a badly broken leg and barely able to walk. After a disappointing performance in the 2000 event he is determined to make amends on Sunday. Obviously I d like to win it one more time, at least one more time, said DuHamel.