Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2005 Daytona 200 could have been a Formula USA 600cc Superbike race if AMA Pro Racing had not agreed to run the event as a Formula Xtreme race, and track officials wanted spec tires to prevent tire companies from using up new-course safety margins by building faster tires with more traction, reducing durability.

That’s the word from insiders involved in the negotiations between Daytona International Speedway and AMA Pro Racing.

In the end, AMA Pro Racing agreed to the Formula Xtreme format, the track agreed to make course modifications, and the spec tire requirement was tabled.

AMA Pro Racing also successfully negotiated for a shorter Superbike race with a reasonable purse to be held at Daytona. Superbike continues to be AMA Pro Racing’s flagship class at least through 2006 and the race at Daytona will pay the usual series points.

Daytona Speedway officials insisted on smaller-displacement machines for the 200-mile race due to concerns over tire failures and rising top speeds. The Speedway does not want 200-mph motorcycles, and does not want a catastrophic crash set off by a rider at the front of a 7-bike drafting train falling due to an exploding rear tire.

Several racers are now claiming that 600cc racebikes will be unable to go the 200-mile distance, although 600cc machines in both Superstock and Superbike trim have been very successful in 4-hour and 6-hour races held as part of the WERA National Endurance Series, and, obviously, tuners can adjust power outputs to suit desired engine life.

Current Formula Xtreme rules do not allow works-type quick-change swingarms with captive sprockets and drop-in wheel hubs, which should reduce the cost of building a competitive machine for the Daytona 200.