Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Insiders say that AMA Pro Racing may shorten the Superstock race at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) from 15 laps to 10 or 12 laps, to reduce the chance of catastrophic tire failures or other problems with 1000cc Superstock bikes this coming March.

This year’s race will be the first Superstock event allowing 1000cc motorcycles, which are required to run stock 17-inch wheels.

Sunday and Monday’s AMA and Daytona-organized tire test with Dunlop, Michelin and Pirelli teams convinced officials that all three suppliers have the 16.5-inch Superbike tire situation well in hand, and thus the Daytona 200 is expected to run as planned with an unmodified format.

But the Superstock race is another matter, with officials doubting that 1000cc Superstock bikes will go the now-scheduled 15-lap distance on fuel and worried that more 17-inch Superstock tire failures like the one that sent Jason DiSalvo on his head at over 170 mph in December–and which triggered this re-test–will be a problem.

How to deal with privateers entering stock-wheeled 1000cc Superstock bikes in the Daytona 200 is an unresolved question, with one suggestion being that officials require the use of 16.5-inch wheels and tires specifically made for Superbike use.

Stay tuned…