Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler plans to race a Gary Medley-prepared No Limits Motorsports Honda CBR954RR in the 2003 Daytona 200 on Michelins.

“We’re building a 954 for Superbike,” Chandler told Roadracingworld.com Monday. “So we’ll be for sure at Daytona, and we’ll have to wait and see how it goes and go from there. I think we’ll only stick to two (classes). It all depends. If Daytona goes good and we’re in the middle of things, maybe we’ll just do Superbike and 600. If not, we’ll do (Formula) Xtreme and certain places Superbike too.

“In race trim, the thing makes the power the Superbikes are making and the weights are going to be the same. I think it’s got a chance,” said Chandler when asked if the Honda CBR954RR would be competitive in AMA Superbike.

Asked for his thoughts on his switch to Michelins after riding on Dunlops for the last eight consecutive seasons, Chandler said, “I’ve been with Dunlop for a long time, but the team…it’s what kind of deal they are able to get. And they were able to get a better deal for both riders rather than just me on the Dunlops. They went ahead and went the Michelin route. It should make it better all the way around – give the Dunlop guys a bit of competition, hopefully, and, hopefully, the Michelin guys will have some pretty good stuff for us.”

And what of Chandler’s memories of Michelins on the 500cc Grand Prix bikes he campaigned in the early 1990’s? “No problems. They were a little different, a little less feeling in them, but a good tire,” said Chandler.

Chandler and teammate Jason Curtis are currently waiting for their 2003 Honda CBR600RRs before starting their off-season testing program.