Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A tire test for AMA teams and riders is set to start Sunday morning at Daytona International Raceway.

The test was scheduled following two catastrophic tire failures at high speed during recent Dunlop tests at Daytona. The test is believed to be to determine if the tire failures are a Dunlop-specific problem or a problem related to the speed and weight of the current 1000cc Superbike and Superstock bikes.

As of 8:45 a.m. local time some wet spots on the track were being dried by a jet blower. Teams are expected to take to the track shortly after 9:00 a.m. Local weather forecasters are calling for good conditions over both days of the test.

Teams are set up in garages according to tire brands.

Dunlop-sponsored teams (American Honda Ben Bostrom and Miguel Duhamel, Erion Honda Jake Zemke, Kawasaki Tommy and Roger Lee Hayden, Yamaha Jason DiSalvo) are set in one garage, Michelin-backed teams (Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin Eric Bostrom, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Steve Rapp and Vincent Haskovec) are in a second garage and Pirelli-supported riders (Lee Acree, Michael Barnes, Geoff May) will use a third garage.

Pirelli shipped new development tires, specifically made for this extra test, to the track, but the tires are currently being held in customs at the Daytona International Airport, according to newly-appointed Pirelli Road Race Manager Jeff Selbert. Selbert is currently working with a customs agent to get the tires released as soon as today, but in the meantime, his riders will work with Pirelli’s existing 17-inch and 16.5-inch slicks.