(December 6, 2006 - Daytona Int'l Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida) The Jordan Suzuki team and new recruit Aaron Yates worked together for the first time at Daytona Int'l Speedway on Dec 4-6 during the annual Dunlop Tire test. Jake Holden sat out during the test due to recent surgery on his right wrist from a 2005 racing accident at Virginia Int'l Raceway.


Photo by: Brian J Nelson

On the first day of the Dunlop Tire test, the Jordan Suzuki team focused most of their attention on finding basic settings and preferences for Yates on one of the 2006 Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 machines prepared for the AMA Superstock class. It was the first opportunity for Yates to work with his new technical crew and test the Jordan Suzuki equipment. At the end of the day, Yates was second fastest in the Superstock class at 1:41.2, just behind Ben Spies on a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000.

The second day of testing focused on the 2006 Jordan Suzuki Superbike equipment and finding the basic preferred settings for Yates style of riding as well as testing basic racing components. A relaxed effort found Yates eighth fastest at 1:41.339 on the Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 prepared for the AMA Superbike class. Further testing of the 2006 Superstock machine saw Yates almost a full second faster on day two at 1:40.304.

The final day of testing introduced the first run of the team's new 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 that the team received only 2 days before leaving for the Daytona test. Without proper suspension components, limited engine work, and stock electrical systems, the team was able to test a few new components and collect basic information that will help with set-up when the AMA Pro Superbike Series returns to Daytona Int'l Speedway for "Bike Week" in March.

Continued testing of the 2006 Superbike on day three saw development of a few Superbike components for Ohlins Suspension and BPD Electronics, as well as testing the new Dunlop tires for Daytona. Yates fastest Superbike lap was mid-day at 1:40.006 at 192 mph, good for 8th fastest in the tally at the end of the day. Further testing of the team's stock 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 found Yates at 1:40.746 at 186 mph, good for 4th fastest in the Superstock class, behind his own time of 1:40.304 on the 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superstock bike.

The team plans on testing again at California Speedway in Fontana, California before returning to Daytona for the tip-off of the 2007 AMA Superbike season March 7-10.

The Jordan Suzuki team is sponsored by: Brand Jordan (a division of Nike), American Suzuki, Upper Deck Authentics, Hanes Underwear, Gatorade Thirst Quencher, Oakley Sunglasses, MMI (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute), Gemini Technology Systems, Vortex Racing Components, BPD Electronics, Dunlop Tire, Yoshimura R&D, Ohlins Suspensions, Sharkskinz Racing Bodies, Motion Pro Cables & Tools, DID Chain, NGK Spark Plugs, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, K&N Filters, Zero GravityWindscreens, Roclun International, Eastside Trucking, WCSN.com, STAR Motorcycle School, and EXOST.