John Ashmead, 1989 Daytona 200 Winner, Passes at 59

October 18, 2022

By Kali Kotoski

John Ashmead, best known for winning the 1989 Daytona 200, died at 59. He succumbed to cancer on October 16 and was in hospice care in Florida.

“It is sad to hear that such a dedicated racer has passed at such a young age,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm. “We at the AMA offer our heartfelt condolences.”

While Ashmead was best known for winning the 1989 Daytona 200 as a privateer, he had a long and competitive career aboard both Superbikes and Supersport motorcycles. He earned his first AMA Superbike podium at Road America in June 1985. He won his first race a month later at Laguna Seca.

Ashmead continued racing until 2021, with an inspiring 34 Daytona 200 race appearances over four decades.