KAYLA YAAKOV Breaks 84-Year Barrier with Historic Daytona 200 Podium Finish

March 9, 2026

• KAYLA YAAKOV made motorsports history at 18, becoming the first woman to podium at the Daytona 200 in its 84-year existence. She secured third place in America’s most iconic motorcycle race through a decisive late-race pass on veteran Darryn Binder, proving that elite preparation and mental fortitude can shatter even the most entrenched barriers.
• The breakthrough performance came after YAAKOV invested heavily in her off-season preparation, focusing on both physical conditioning and mental approach. Her strategic race management—staying calm and positioning herself for the crucial moment—demonstrated the kind of tactical racing intelligence that separates podium contenders from the pack in “The Great American Motorcycle Race.”
• YAAKOV’s historic achievement during Women’s History Month sends a powerful message about what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Her podium finish against an elite international field at one of motorcycle racing’s most prestigious events represents exactly the kind of barrier-breaking performance that opens doors for the next generation of women riders.

american motorcycle racing, daytona 200, daytona international speedway, motorcycle racing