Richie Escalante put his stamp on the early running for the 2024 Daytona 200 as he took a clear provisional pole position in a Suzuki 1-2-3 in first qualifying, while Richard Cooper landed well inside the top ten.

The Mexican rider was the force of the day, topping both FP1 and Q1 aboard his Vision Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki GSX-R750, leading fellow team-mate Tyler Scott and Vesrah Racing’s Hayden Gillim.

Though the riders will need to go through another Q2 session to book their place in the pole-deciding Time Attack later today, Escalante looks in strong form as the only rider to dip into the 1m 47secs bracket.

Indeed, it was a strong showing all-round for the Suzuki contingent with Scott and Gillim also the only riders to dip below 1m 49secs.

Though Escalante is considered a good bet for victory on the banks of the iconic Florida venue from his performances in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, a win by the rider on Saturday would make him the first non-American to do so since 2008.

“For sure I’m really happy to be back,” Escalante - who crashed out of the Daytona 200 while leading in 2023 - said. “I feel great and the first day was amazing – P1.  I made an amazing lap and I’m happy again to be racing in the 200. 

“After last year I really want to come back and battle for the win again. Now I will keep working for the race. So, thanks to my team, Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki, and to all the fans.”

Winner in 2023, Josh Herrin was the best of the Ducati contingent in fourth place, ahead of MotoAmerica Superbike front runner Bobby Fong and reigning MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Xavi Fores.

Of the British contingent, Cooper - in his first appearance at Daytona since 2008 - was one of the day’s star performers in an excellent seventh place on the PHR Performance Triumph STR765 RS. He was comfortably quicker than Isle of Man TT record-holder Peter Hickman, down in 22nd, though the Truelove Brothers were a solid 17th and 25th, Matt leading Harry.

Second qualifying for the Daytona 200 takes place later today, followed by the pole-deciding Time Attack, before the race itself takes place on Sunday.

2024 Daytona 200 | Qualifying 1 Results [Group A]

Thursday | Daytona Motor Speedway