Kawasaki Still Looking For A Second 600cc Supersport Rider

Kawasaki Still Looking For A Second 600cc Supersport Rider

© 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Kawasaki is actively seeking a second 600cc Supersport rider to team with new hire Tommy Hayden.

“I think we’re just about narrowing it down. Hopefully, we should have it finalized in a week or so,” said Kawasaki Road Racing Team Manager Michael Preston on Monday, December 3, explaining that he won’t be signing an established star.

“Not a big name. I think we’ll lean toward an upcoming rider for a 600 rider only. We’re kind of getting our focus narrowed down. Hopefully, we’ll have it here shortly. It’s been my wish since I started the team to have two 600 riders. I think we’re gonna be able to get that, but then this year we’re only going to have one Superbike. We want to start building for the future.”

Preston and company completed two days of testing at Willow Springs International Raceway and The Streets of Willow November 29-30 with riders Eric Bostrom and Tommy Hayden.

“It went so-so,” said Preston about the test. “We were on the big track on Thursday and the little track on Friday. No crashes, and we’re all in one piece. We just wanted to get the guys a chance to ride a little bit, especially Tommy (Hayden) because he’s never been on the bike. Just to ride around before we go down to Daytona, because it has a been a while.

“The first day it was drizzling and pretty cold and stuff. But then the second day it was actually pretty nice. On the second day we were on the Streets (of Willow). It was kind of a bummer there. I think it was good for Tommy, but on the Superbike it was a little bit tight. But the big thing was, it was sunny and nice and the wind didn’t start blowing until about 3:30 p.m., if you can believe that. Everyone was pretty pumped about the weather. We did get to ride on Thursday, but it was cold! It was one of those days that it was bad to be a rider.

“Most of the stuff (bikes) was similar to what we had last year. We got a few new things, but pretty much Eric’s bike was last year’s updated bike. We had a couple new pieces on it. And Tommy, we had one new bike and one old bike for him. We had our base setting, what we used last year, stuff like that. Our bike hasn’t changed, but for him it was all new.”

The Kawasaki Road Racing Team is now preparing for the Dunlop tire tests at Daytona International Speedway, December 10-12. Then the entire team will have to jet back to Southern California for their official team introduction ceremony Thursday, December 13 at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. At that invitation-only function, Kawasaki’s Champions from the 2001 season will receive commemorative Championship rings. Of course, Thursday, December 13 is also the make-up date for the Dunlop tests in case of rain. Preston said that staying at the test would be a priority if they lose significant track time due to weather, but he expects everyone from his team to make it back in time for the ceremony.

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