No Daytona dream for Hicky & Cooper
PHR Performance pairing Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper were both forced to retire from the Daytona 200 race at the weekend.
Cooper was in the leading group in the early stages and did lead at one point, but dropped down the order due to a problem during his pit stop. He later crashed out on lap 25.
Meanwhile, Hickman, making his Daytona debut, had made his way up to 12th onboard his Triumph before being forced to retire with a technical issue just three laps remaining.
“It was a frustrating Daytona, but we showed plenty of potential,” Hickman told MCN. “Coops had the pace to win, and I had pace, probably, for between 8th and 10th. I got caught up in someone’s blow-up early on and got covered in oil. I actually ran off the circuit because I couldn’t see, and dropped down to 29th.
“All of the potential and no result, but we’ve had an awesome time. The circuit is mega to ride around, getting up on the banking is just super cool and very different to everything else. We’ve had a really good time. Massive thanks to FHO and Faye Ho for helping us to be here.”
Josh Herrin was victorious on his Warhorse HSBK Ducati V2, securing his third victory at the event. Tyler Scott and Hayden Gillim, both on Suzuki GSX-R750s completed the podium after Richie Escalante ran out of fuel on the final lap – dropping from second to fifth as a result.
Matt and Harry Truelove were also flying the flag for the UK, with the former finishing 14th onboard the Truelove Brothers Racing Suzuki. Harry retired from the race.
MotoAmerica Supersport champion Xavi Fores, on the Attack Performance Yamaha, retired on the second lap.