Tray Batey, Mike Smith and Grant Lopez tested at Roebling Road Raceway in Faulkville, Georgia January 24-25. Batey and mechanic Jerry Daggett concentrated on his GSXR750-based, big-bore Formula USA bike while Smith and mechanic Tony Romo tried various GSXR750 engine configurations, including 750cc Superbike and big-bore Formula USA/Formula Xtreme versions.
Meanwhile, Batey continued to get used to his GSXR750-based racebike after years preferring a more powerful but heavier GSXR1100 racebike. The planted feel provided by the GSXR750 continues to amaze Batey, who continues to rachet up his mid-corner speed without the chassis complaining.
Despite problems with concrete patches and sealer in several corners, Batey ran a fastest lap of 1:14.0 and Smith ran a fastest lap of 1:14.3 during the tests.
Both Batey and Smith left the test weekend at Roebling Road confident and looking forward to the first Formula Xtreme race of the season, during the AMA National at Phoenix February 13-15.
Lopez worked with Crew Chief Keith Perry on a fuel-injected, Superstock-spec GSXR750 fitted with an aftermarket exhaust system, and by the end of the testing the pair had reprogrammed the fuel injection to eliminate an on-off-on throttle hesitation that made it difficult to get smooth drives off corners. Lopez will campaign the bike in the 126-horsepower class at Formula USA events.
