Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Rick Shaw is the new holder of the Daytona 200 career mileage record.

Shaw covered 52 laps and finished 30th in today’s Daytona 200.

More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Rick Shaw Sets New Daytona 200 Mileage Record

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., — While he didn’t make the podium in today’s Daytona 200 By Arai, Rick Shaw accomplished a feat no other rider in the Daytona 200 ever has. Shaw set a new Daytona 200 mileage record after completing 52 laps in the 62nd running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

Shaw, a police officer from Miami, Fla., eclipsed the standing record of 3,187 miles set by Warren Sherwood. Entering today’s race, Shaw stood at 3,180 miles, but after his 30th-place finish, Shaw stands at 3,365.48 miles.

“I wanted to celebrate (on the record breaking lap) but I was trying to keep my head down,” said Shaw, rider of the No. 79 Suzuki. “I tried to get my hand up there and I just about lost it on the second lap trying to celebrate. Boy, was that stupid. I put my head back down and went for it. It was an exciting lap. I felt it. Finally, the weight was lifted off me after the second lap and I could go out and race. I put some more pressure on myself to get this done.”

Shaw’s first Daytona 200 By Arai start in 1981. Through the years Shaw has fallen in love with the heritage of the Speedway, which makes the record a special moment in his life.

“I love it. I’m very proud to be listed with the veterans and the pros, the people who made this sport the greatest sport in the world. It’s a honor. I hope I can live up to their image.”