KAYLA YAAKOV & ELLA DREHER Set to Make History at 2026 DAYTONA 200

March 4, 2026

• KAYLA YAAKOV is positioned to rewrite the record books as she campaigns her Rahal Ducati Moto Panigale V2 with a legitimate shot at becoming the first-ever female winner of the DAYTONA 200. The 18-year-old phenom joins an elite Rahal stable that includes defending four-time consecutive winner Josh Herrin, giving her access to championship-level resources and strategy. With a record $250,000 purse and $50,000 winner’s prize on the line, we’re watching a potential breakthrough moment that’s been 84 years in the making.
• ELLA DREHER is about to own the history books in a completely different way, becoming the youngest competitor ever to race in the DAYTONA 200 at just 16 years and 9 days old on race day. She’ll pilot an MP13 Racing MV Agusta F3 RR in the Supersport class, shattering age barriers in a sport that’s traditionally been dominated by seasoned veterans. This isn’t just a feel-good story – it’s a statement about the new generation of female talent refusing to wait their turn.
• The broader field showcases the global magnetism of this legendary race, with 49 elite Supersport riders from seven nations converging on Daytona’s high banks. Former MotoGP star Darryn Binder leads the international charge while defending champion Kyle Wyman dominates the Mission King of the Baggers class with five consecutive Daytona victories. The addition of championship points to the DAYTONA 200 for the first time since 2014 elevates the stakes beyond just prestige and prize money.
• Technical challenges add another layer of complexity, with new 15.5L fuel tank restrictions forcing teams into three-stop strategies instead of the traditional two. This demands flawless pit crew execution across 57 laps, where a single mistake can cost millions in championship positioning. The combination of reduced fuel capacity, record prize money, and championship implications creates the perfect storm for an unforgettable race where YAAKOV and DREHER could cement their places in motorsports history.

daytona international speedway, ducati, honda racing world supersport, motoamerica