DAXTON BENNICK INTERVIEW: “I FEEL LIKE THIS RIDE LIFTS A LOT OF WEIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS”

 I must admit that Daxton Bennick was not at the top of my list of candidates to land on the Detroit 250 East Coast Supercross podium. I expected the podium to be comprised of several of the more seasoned riders. But, in Detroit, it was the eighteen-year-old pro rookie Daxton Bennick taking a solid third overall. I probably should not be super surprised though as Bennick is a two-time 2023 Supercross Futures winner, and he rides daily with some of the fastest 250 riders in Supercross at the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing Team facility. We were able to grab a few minutes with the 2023 ama Nickey Hayden AMA Horizon Award winner for a few moments post-race. 

 

BY JIM KIMBALL

2024 DETROIT SUPERCROSS // FULL COVERAGE

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DAXTON, TALK ABOUT TAKING A PODIUM FINISH IN YOUR VERY FIRST PRO SUPERCROSS. Third isn’t too bad and there were only two guys that beat me. I would say that I did not start my day very good, like in qualifying, I was having a hard time finding my flow. The heat was good, and I felt like I got into a good flow. I knew I needed to do the same thing in the main. So, when the main started I got in and got the best start that I could. I avoided the carnage, was in fourth for a while, and then worked my way into third. I was not that far off from Max Anstie for second, so I am pumped on that. This is a nine-round series, so have to be there every weekend. And as you can see from tonight, much can happen!

Daxton qualified seventh into the night show and came into his heat with a lot of speed pressuring the main event winner, Austin Forkner.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE DETROIT TRACK COMPARE TO YOUR NORMAL TRAINING TRACKS? We had this Detroit replica at the farm, but it is a lot different. The ruts obviously are way different for sure. It makes it feel completely different. But Star does so much to help us. I just want to thank the team for sticking behind me. We put a lot of work in this off-season, and it pays off.  

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR RACING? I would say passing Chance Hymas for third place. At that point, I knew it was for a podium, so I was stoked. I thought “I might get on the podium tonight. I just must stay strong and focused”, and I pulled it off. 

Looking like a seasoned veteran of the class, as a Rookie Daxton was the first newcomer to grab a podium position in their first race in over ten years. 

OBVIOUSLY, YOU BEAT MANY GOOD RIDERS AND YOUR STAR RACING TEAMMATES. Yes, but I want to beat the other guys more. With Haiden (Deegan), we grew up racing together, so I hate seeing him go down. That was bad for sure. He would have been up there if he had gotten a good start, and I know there will be some good battles in the future.

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN ALL THE CHAOS IN THE FIRST TURN HAPPENED? I was a bit more in front, which was good for sure! Someone hit my rear tire hard, and I got sketchy for a minute. I went off the track but somehow saved it. I was lucky to get out of that.  

Daxton was able to avoid the turn-one carnage and kept it smooth and fast throughout the entire main event.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS PODIUM IN YOUR FIRST RACE, HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE REST OF THE SERIES? I feel like this ride lifts a lot of weight off my shoulders.  It is a lot of work that has been put in, and it is a long off-season to stay healthy. That is a big deal too, racing every round. So, I made it through the first round and that is awesome.

2024 DETROIT SUPERCROSS // FULL COVERAGE

 

DAXTON BENNICK INTERVIEW: “I FEEL LIKE THIS RIDE LIFTS A LOT OF WEIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS” Motocross Action Magazine.