The Daytona 200 is renowned for its demanding nature, often compared to a rollercoaster due to its unpredictable ups and downs. In 2026, Sylvia Houston of motorcycle.com got a firsthand look at this intensity as a crew member with MP13 Racing. The team, led by Melissa Paris, aimed to make a mark with a unique bike and a very young rider.
Paris extended an invitation to Houston to join the team for the 2026 Daytona 200. Paris is a well-known figure in racing, with experience at Daytona and in World Supersport. Houston notes that Paris's current team leadership stands out just as much as her racing history.
The Daytona 200 is an endurance race known for its challenges. The 2026 race marked another chapter for Paris, and a significant step for young Ella Dreher.
MP13 Racing distinguished itself as the only team campaigning the MV Agusta F3. Sixteen-year-old Ella Dreher became the youngest rider ever to compete in the Daytona 200. According to motorcycle.com, Dreher's goal was to become the youngest winner of the modern Daytona 200, a record held by Johnny Cecotto since 1976, who won at 19. Dreher raced in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup the previous year before advancing to the Daytona 200 Supersport class.
Paris worked to support Dreher, managing pressure and maintaining focus, according to Houston's account. The team's participation wasn't assured initially, requiring sponsorship to materialize. Dreher and her brother Avery are competitive and push each other. Evan Wilcox was instrumental in building custom gas tanks.
Several rule changes were introduced for the 2026 race. For the first time under MotoAmerica's management, the race awarded points to racers. Additionally, the race mandated three pit stops instead of two, owing to a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 15.5 liters. The reduced fuel capacity required modifications to the fuel tanks.
Inside the garage, the team faced challenges in preparing the MV Agusta for the race. The limited aftermarket support meant that parts required modification and rework. Attention to detail was crucial, with safety and precision being paramount.
Pit stops presented a significant hurdle. The MV Agusta's single-sided swingarm, while seemingly advantageous, posed difficulties due to tight tolerances in the spindle nut design. The team modified tools and reshaped edges to improve efficiency.
