Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Dave Swarts

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki will not race its GSX-R1000s in the AMA Superstock class at California Speedway and will instead race new, 2004-model GSX-R750s in the 1000cc class.

“We want to give it a try at the tighter tracks,” Crew Chief Keith Perry told Roadracingworld.com Thursday in the paddock of the Fontana, California racetrack. “We think the 750 will have more tire left at the end of the race and will be a little easier on the rider as well, something similar to what Tommy Hayden did last year (racing a 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6R in the then-750cc AMA Superstock class). We had 22 horsepower on Tommy last year, and you saw what he did (Hayden won several races). Whether it will work or not, I don’t know.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki tested its new GSX-R750s at Barber Motorsports Park in March.

Perry estimates that his team’s GSX-R750s – in an early stage of development – are producing 18-20 horsepower less than top-line Suzuki GSX-R1000s while weighing approximately 15 pounds less.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki brought a full truckload of 10 Suzukis to California Speedway and not a single GSX-R1000.