Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Following two hot days of testing at Daytona International Speedway, Dunlop officials would prefer to use slicks for the proposed 2004 AMA Superstock class, which would include 1000cc four-cylinder machines producing over 160 horsepower.

“If there’s a choice, slicks would be the way to go because overall it’s a safer prospect…an added measure of security,” said Dunlop National Road Race Manager Jim Allen in a August 25 telephone interview. “Whatever the rule is, we will race under that rule. We’re prepared either way.”

Allen said Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates tested a Superstock-spec GSX-R1000 exclusively during his recent test (August 19-20) at Daytona with surprising results. “It (bike) wasn’t far from stock and he did some 1:51s. It was remarkably fast. The lap times and the top speeds were impressive. It might not get there as quick as a Superbike, but it’s not far off it.”

In fact, Yates’ pace matched the testing pace of Honda RC51 Superbike-mounted Miguel Duhamel, winner of the 2003 Daytona 200, and Yates “got good lap times and good distance” out of both DOT-labeled and slick tires during the test, according to Allen.

“I think there was some concern (over using DOT-labeled tires for Superstock) at the AMA,” said Allen. “There’s some privateer guys who don’t have the same resources. They’re (AMA) afraid there may be some neglect further down the ranks.” Stretching tire life, as cash-strapped privateers have been known to do, could have disastrous results at the 180 mph speeds the new 1000cc Superstock bikes will be capable of at Daytona.

Although they don’t test at Daytona every August, Allen said it was good to test in the “stinking hot” conditions, 60 degrees Celsius track temperature. “In December (the date of the annual Dunlop test at Daytona) and March, you may or may not get good weather. It may rain or be cold or whatever. But it’s usually good weather when we race,” said Allen.

Yates’ teammate Mat Mladin turned the fastest unofficial lap time of the test, a hand-timed 1:48.2, according to Allen. “He did several 1:48s and lots of 1:49s. Ben (Bostrom) did a 1:49 but mostly did 1:50s. Miguel did 1:51s. Ben and Miguel both did long distance runs, over one pit-stop-distance. Ben was doing 1:50-1:51s the whole way.”

Allen said the riders tested and/or confirmed six new tire compounds, several different tire constructions and two different sizes (one of which was completely new) at the money-saving event. “It’s expensive to try and test everything with all the riders we have in December. Now when we go back in December, we will have eliminated some things.” The test went so well that the Dunlop men were able to cancel the final day they had scheduled and go home early.

Most of the factory AMA teams tested at Barber Motorsports Park for several days prior to the Daytona test and found the new Alabama track to be hard on front tire wear. “If you look at a map of the place, you’re leaned over on the right side with the front tire heavily weighted about 25 percent of the lap,” said Allen. “It was a cause for concern for Superbike and Supersport riders.

“We’re looking at getting some new compounds built and brought in for the race. My experience is things will get better as more rubber gets built up. I think it’ll get better, but we’ll definitely bring some alternate compounds for the race.”