Graves Motorsports Yamaha's Josh Herrin (Photo: Brian J Nelson) » More Photos

Lights Shining Down Bright on Herrin

Still just 18 years of age, Graves Yamaha's Josh Herrin's resume is starting to resemble that of a grizzled veteran (okay, perhaps yet 'grizzled'), with podium finishes logged in each of the last three AMA seasons, including wins in the last two.

Herrin is in Daytona this weekend preparing for his first career Daytona 200 in March. While early word has been quite positive regarding the riders' experience under the lights, Herrin admits that he encountered some unexpected difficulties in adapting to the illuminated high banks on Friday evening.

He explained, "Yesterday morning was just a shakedown because we haven't ridden since Laguna. I was looking to get into some good times during the night session but it was pretty weird; I ride motocross three times a week at night back home and the lights don't bother me, but for some reason yesterday I got a killer migraine.

"All of the sudden, four laps into it, I was like, 'oh man.' I'd hit a bump and it'd blur and go back to normal and blur and go back to normal… I took some Advil or something and the last five laps I got before handing the bike over to (Josh) Hayes, I was feeling a little bit better. I got down into a low '52.

"Unfortunately, this morning got cancelled. But really, the whole test is just a shakedown and about getting used to the night. Just another test -- got a new helmet and some new leathers to try out."

Commenting on his first attempt at the storied 200-miler, Herrin said with a grin, "My goal for this year is to win everything, so I'm excited about it."