Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Sources close to the deal say that Eric Bostrom is considering riding a Superbike fielded by Ducati Austin in the 2004 AMA Superbike series.

What brand of tires the bike will run on–Dunlop versus Michelin–is a major factor in negotiations.

Kawasaki’s decision to not run a Superbike in the 2004 AMA series is said to have been a factor in the opening of negotiations involving Bostrom and Ducati. Details of Bostrom’s contract with Kawasaki, and whether or not the contract specifically refers to the Superbike class, are unknown.

But Eric Bostrom’s manager, Norm Viano, denied the report.

In an e-mail to Roadracing World, Viano said the report was, “Completely untrue. We’re happy with Kawasaki and are, in fact, in a two-year deal with them. Not sure where you are getting that info.”

Despite the denial, an involved sponsor insists negotiations for the 2004 season have taken place, and sources at Kawasaki say that the company was quietly looking at possible replacement riders last week.