Huge disappointment at Daytona; Cédric Tangre falls in the second lap on oil.

One eye on the banking and one eye on the television screen placed in the TOBC stand where we are, we watch for Cédric's second visit. The first 12 drivers pass, then the 15, then the 30 and finally all without us seeing it. The faces freeze, silence falls and then like a bang in our ears we hear the voice of the speaker « Cédric Tangre, the French rider crashed with another one ». Shock and worry but very quickly the announcer announces “the both riders are up”. Cédric therefore fell with another pilot but he is standing. What happened ? A clash? A mechanical problem?

The TOBC staff after a few moments of reflection prepares the second motorcycle to leave, because the unique regulations of this race allow it in the event of a crash. Time passes and Cédric is still not there. In fact he fell into the chicanery of banking which is far away. Almost 25 minutes later, here it finally is.

Very disappointed but not angry, he wants to leave to continue driving on this track. He tells us that he fell without understanding the angle at a time when he was neither on the brakes nor accelerating like the one who fell in front of him. Both found themselves taken aback and his companion in misfortune had oil on his helmet and boots. In fact, Cory West who was in front of them was losing oil and his engine broke permanently a few seconds later.

What a desappointment !

But Cédric wants to end his Florida weekend differently and gets on his second motorcycle. He searches the towers.

Meanwhile, his teammate, Shane Narbone, is 5th a stone's throw away, just before a red flag. All the teams take the opportunity to refuel and change the wheels. He missed his new start a little and found himself on the second lap in a group of drivers a little slower than the group of four drivers who set a very fast pace at the head of the race. 5 laps later, he lost contact with the leaders and will take a little time to escape from his group to race alone. Depending on the refuelings and Farrel's engine failure, he finished in a very good fourth place although he was able to get on the podium without this second start, far from what he can do.

Cédric also takes the checkered flag and both find themselves in the pit lane after the lap of honor. Cédric congratulates him, even if frustration is visible on his face. So much effort, investment and work for not even two laps of a “real” race…

It's not time to think about next year for him but we hope he comes back. He will be in Spain on Tuesday for tests in order to best prepare for another challenge: the European World 600 Supersport races.

Let's wish him the best!

We will finish our tickets from Daytona by congratulating Michel Amalric who finished the race further than he thought even though he rode at a regular and sustained pace. His exhaust manifold was pierced around halfway through the race and he had to stop in the pits for a long time. But the desire to finish is the strongest and he crossed the finish line with undoubtedly strong emotion for this passionate amateur driver who is always fully committed to his challenges, including that of returning here 20 years later. He did it ! Well done !

Other French people at the Daytona 200 in future years? Hopefully.

Victory of Michael Barnes ahead of pole sitter, Geoff May.