The 1983 Daytona 200 became a legendary race early on after leader Kenny Roberts felt his rear tire slip on the banking. Roberts pitted, thinking the tire was going flat or chunking. It turns out the tire was OK, but the stop cost him about 20 seconds. Back on the track Roberts began slicing through the field on his factory Yamaha, eventually getting back to the front after battling with young teammate Eddie Lawson. Roberts retired from full-time racing after the ’83 season. He did come back to Daytona again in 1984 and won.

Yamaha teammates Kenny Roberts (2) and Eddie Lawson (21) battle in the 1983 Daytona 200. Roberts won the race. Oldrich Schmuttermeier (384) is being lapped. (Photo courtesy Daytona International Speedway)