DOTs Versus Slicks In AMA Superstock Still Hot Topic Of Debate

DOTs Versus Slicks In AMA Superstock Still Hot Topic Of Debate

© 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Before the final version of the 2004 AMA Superstock rules were announced, the decision whether the class should go with DOT-labeled or slick racing tires was a hot topic of conversation among stakeholders in the AMA series. And now that AMA Pro Racing has released its 2004 Superstock rules – which mandate the use of slick tires on OEM wheels – the topic is still up for debate among tire manufacturers, including the possibility that the rule may be changed.

In an October 7 press release, AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth was quoted as describing the “overall objectives for improving the championship” as “maintaining close competition, delivering an entertaining show to our loyal fan base and slowing escalating costs to participants…”

The release went on to state “the requirement to use slick tires” in 2004 AMA Superstock “was done primarily for safety reasons.”

But high-ranking representatives from Michelin and Pirelli, on hand at the WERA Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta, expressed confusion over the AMA’s reasoning behind the slick-tire requirement in Superstock.

“We don’t think it makes sense going to 17-inch slicks,” said Ron Wood, Manager, Road Racing/Business Development , Michelin Two Wheel North America.

“We have tires for it, but to be honest, I don’t see the need,” said Eddie Roberts, Pirelli’s International Racing Manager. “You’re taking away from the spirit of the class by riding on slicks.”

As for controlling cost for competitors, both Wood and Roberts said they didn’t see the use of slicks as saving costs for racers.

“It’s not going to save money,” said Wood.

“The cost of the Super Corse (DOT-labeled tires) is less then slicks, so there’s no benefit there, none,” said Roberts. “Plus a rider can run on a DOT-labeled tire in a light rain, but he can’t on a slick. So he’s going to have to have an extra set of wheels just to have rains ready to go. In addition, the racers can’t sell their used slicks to street riders. I don’t condone that they sell their used DOT tires, but they do it. It’s a fact and a way they make ends meet.”

As for the safety factor of racing the 1000cc Superstock bikes on slicks versus DOT-labeled tires, again both men disagreed with the AMA’s reasoning.

“Even at Daytona we run our Super Corse [DOT-labeled tire]. Some guys even run them on their Superbikes,” said Roberts.

“They’re talking about slicks being safer than DOTs, but I think we just proved at Daytona [with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp winning CCS and Formula USA races with low-1:51 lap times] that DOTs are capable of doing what they need to,” said Wood

Wood also pointed out that if slicks are required and DOT-labeled tires are outlawed in Superstock for safety reasons, then why are DOT-labeled tires still legal to use on the more powerful Superbikes? “That’s the question we’re asking. You allow it here but you don’t allow it here?” said Wood.

Both men expressed general confusion over the AMA’s decision.

“Why go to 17-inch slicks?” asked Wood. “All the development in slicks is in 16.5-inch slicks, so why go backwards? Why take a step backward when we’re working hard to move forward?”

“I have no problem supplying 17-inch slicks,” said Roberts, “but with those two reasons (cost and safety), why?”

The slick-tire rule may not be as final as it would appear, according to Wood, who said, “We’ve seen it [slick tire requirement] in print, but as far as in discussions, we’ve heard it might be changed.”

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