Herfoss Secures Fifth Place in Opening Daytona KOTB Qualifying

Kyle Wyman secures pole position for Harley-Davidson, with rookie Loris Baz taking second on the grid

The 2025 Moto America season gets underway this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, as Troy Herfoss embarks on his title defense in the King of the Baggers class.

Herfoss, riding an Indian Challenger supported by S&S Cycle, placed fifth in the first qualifying session, trailing leader Kyle Wyman of Harley-Davidson by 1.126 seconds. Despite having limited practice time leading into the race weekend, rookie Loris Baz showed impressive form by qualifying in second. He was closely followed by James Rispoli on his Harley and Herfoss’ teammate, Tyler O’Hara. “It’s really exciting! I’ve always wanted to race here. In this first session, there’s so much to learn about the banking. We’re doing well in Q1, but we’re facing some tire issues,” Baz remarked, referencing the notable tire wear as the track conditions evolve. Additionally, riders contended with windy weather, leading many to spend extended time in the pits.

Earlier in the day, O’Hara led the opening practice session, with Herfoss following closely in second place. Loris Baz wasn’t the only newcomer, as fellow MotoGP veteran Bradley Smith made his debut, finishing tenth with a time that was three seconds off the pole, riding the Dynojet entry for Harley-Davidson.

This season, both Herfoss and O’Hara will reduce their commitments by stepping back from the Super Hooligans class to concentrate on the King of the Baggers competition.

As Supersport takes the spotlight at Daytona, Tyler Scott (Vision Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki) claimed provisional pole, surpassing defending Daytona champion Josh Herrin from Warhorse Ducati. Richie Escalante made his mark in third position on the second Vision Wheel Suzuki, while racing icons Peter Hickman (PHR Performance) and Michael Dunlop (Milwaukee Ducati) placed eleventh and fifteenth, respectively. Shane Lloyd-Maggs represents Australia, currently sitting in 22nd place on his privateer Yamaha.

More action is slated for tomorrow, with an additional qualifying session, a Challenge race, and the first championship race set to begin around 7 AM Australian time.

King of the Baggers Daytona Qualifying