KAYLA YAAKOV Fastest Ducati in Testing, Eyes Historic Daytona 200 Victory
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March 5, 2026
GRRL! SUMMARY:
- KAYLA YAAKOV has emerged as the fastest Ducati rider during preseason testing ahead of the 2026 Daytona 200, positioning herself for a potential historic breakthrough as the first female winner in the race’s 84-year history. Racing for Rahal Ducati Moto, she’s clearly putting the speed down when it counts—during the crucial preparation phase that often predicts race day success.
- The pressure is on as Ducati stacks an impressive 12 Panigale V2 entries for their attempt at a fourth consecutive Daytona 200 victory, coinciding with the manufacturer’s 100th anniversary celebration. With defending four-time champion Josh Herrin leading the charge and PJ Jacobsen claiming P1 in Thursday’s qualifying session, YAAKOV faces elite company but has proven she belongs at the sharp end of the field.
- This isn’t just another race weekend—we’re potentially witnessing history in the making as YAAKOV carries the hopes of breaking through a barrier that’s stood for over eight decades. Her preseason pace suggests she’s not just participating but genuinely competing for the win, backed by one of the sport’s most successful teams in Rahal Ducati Moto alongside established stars and rising talent.
UPCOMING:
- 2026 Daytona 200 – Saturday, March 7, 1:10 pm EST
- MotoAmerica Round 1 at Road America – April 2026
LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:
GRRL! summary based upon reporting originally appearing on dealernews.com
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