From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING ON DAYTONA TIRE TEST

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 30, 2004) — An AMA Pro Racing-organized two-day tire test was conducted under nearly ideal conditions this past Sunday and Monday (January 25 and 26) at Daytona International Speedway. The test was attended by several top teams and tire manufacturers Dunlop, Michelin and Pirelli. At the direction of AMA Pro Racing, the test focused on AMA Superbike and AMA Superstock equipment.

The primary objective of the test was to further evaluate tire durability in advance of the 2004 racing season, particularly at Daytona International Speedway. High-speeds, coupled with the track’s unique characteristics and layout, place a higher degree of stress on tires at Daytona than at most other tracks.

AMA Pro Racing roadrace operations personnel and executive staff members attended the test. AMA Pro Racing CEO, Scott Hollingsworth was on hand and was pleased with what was learned. “At the conclusion of the test we met with each tire company individually,” said Hollingsworth. “We also had extensive staff discussions and meetings Monday evening and continuing all-day Tuesday.”

AMA Pro Racing announced that, based in some measure on the findings of the test, the 2004 Daytona 200 will be run under its existing, traditional format and the 2004 Daytona Superstock race will be shortened to 12 laps.

“These decisions were made partially as a result of the valuable information shared by the companies involved in this test,” said Hollingsworth. “Considering everything we’ve seen this is the direction we need to go for this year’s event.”

Hollingsworth added that restoring confidence among the riders was an important objective of the test, too. “It’s evident that a great deal of work was done by the tire makers since last December’s test,” said Hollingsworth. “New constructions and compounds were evaluated with encouraging results. Ultimately, it’s a matter of supplying tires that deliver the performance standards required by modern-day Superbike and Superstock equipment along with sufficient durability. It appears that these objectives have been met by Dunlop, Michelin and Pirelli.”



See related post:

1/28/2004 Insiders: Daytona 200 As Usual, Superstock 12 Laps