Photo Brian J Nelson

In the MotoAmerica 2024 Daytona 200 held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach Florida on March 9th Hayden Gillim rounded out the podium with a Third-place finish. Fan reaction to the return of the iconic yellow Suzuki was overwhelmingly positive both at the track and online.

After an early mishap heading into the chicane dropped the Vesrah Racing Suzuki GSX-R 750 out of the top 10, Hayden persevered and with the help of quick pit stops by the Vesrah Racing crew combined with his inspired riding he was able to make his way back towards the front of the field. It looked like a repeat of last year’s 4th place finish but a competitor’s misfortune on the final lap enabled Hayden to stand on the podium in victory lane.

This effort was proudly supported by Steel Commander Corp. Comstock Energy LLC, Maxima Racing Oils, Fast Line Track Days, KTech suspension, Skip at Orient Express, Dunlop, GB Racing, REB Graphics and Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain.

Photo Brian J Nelson

Hayden Gillim – Rider #95: “It was an honor to fly the Vesrah colors on the high banks for the 2024 Daytona 200. I made a few mistakes early on in the race, but luckily the whole team picked up my slack in the pit stops. I feel like we accomplished a lot, and I cannot thank everyone enough for helping me get my first Daytona 200 podium!”

Akihito Tamura – CEO Vesrah Co.: “I am so happy with this podium result in Third place with Hayden on Vesrah’s return after a dozen years to American professional motorcycle road racing with MotoAmerica. The performance of the Vesrah Racing Pad XX against the unique demands of braking into turn 1 at Daytona was a highlight of the race. It is my 80th birthday this year and I cannot thank the team enough for the early birthday present!”

Mark Junge – Team Principal: “Hayden made a step forward from his Fourth-place finish last year to be on the podium in Third place but we will not be satisfied until the top step is earned and we will be back to try again. I am extremely proud and thankful to the crew who helped to make this result possible with great pit stops.”