Yoshimura Suzuki Tests in the Wet Mladin, Spies & Hayden practice rain skills at Dunlop facility BREA, CA The Yoshimura Suzuki team successfully completed the team’s firstever wet test at Dunlop Tires’ Huntsville Proving Grounds in Huntsville, Ala., on Thursday, Aug. 9. Defending AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies, six-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden spent the hot, one-day test running multiple laps on Dunlop’s figure-eight track, which is equipped with an extensive sprinkler system intended to simulate wet weather conditions. Spies put in laps on both his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike and Superstock machines, whereas Mladin and Hayden tested only their Superbikes. Overall, the three riders circulated the track eight to 10 times and their respective lap times were closely matched. Additionally, all three riders agreed that the wet test was extremely beneficial and they would be interested in repeating the exercise in the future. Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Don Sakakura: “This was an opportunity for all three riders to get more wet weather testing and increase our knowledge for wet weather settings on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000s. It was also an opportunity to test product for Dunlop. Although Ben is running the Superstock bike as well, this test was primarily for Superbikes.” Mat Mladin: “I requested this test after getting beat in the rain at Road America. It’s been very good for me because we don’t usually get time to practice in the wet. It’s been good to get a feel for the tires and Dunlop was happy to have us come.” Ben Spies: “It’s not so good for me because Mat is practicing starts and riding in the rain! Seriously, it’s been a good test. Even though I feel pretty comfortable in the rain, it can’t hurt to get more time in the wet on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. Also, it’s always good to get a chance to help out Dunlop with tire development.” Tommy Hayden: “This wet test has been pretty good. It’s almost like playing. We don’t usually get to ride in the rain. When we do ride in the rain, it’s in a race and then we have to focus on racing. So this gives us a chance to try some new stuff and have some fun.”