Skip to main content

Haskovec and May Test At Daytona

By January 6, 2005April 26th, 20212005 News

Team M4 EMGO Suzuki kicked off the 2005 season with a three-day test at Daytona International Speedway this week. The team’s duo of Vincent Haskovec and Geoff May rode the revised 3.0-mile Florida circuit for the first time since the track was modified this off-season, ending up with promising results on the both the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Suzuki GSX-R600.

Haskovec was impressive from the start, quickly getting up to speed on the Superstock GSX-R1000 now shod with Pirelli tires. Haskovec’s trademark fiery, inspired riding hasn’t lost momentum over the winter layoff as he begins his second year with the team.

“It was tremendous to ride the new GSX-R1000. Everyone knows the bike has improved for this season,” said Vincent, clocked at 1:42.589 on the GSX-R1000. “We got the bike even more stable on the banking as the test went on as we found some solutions. With every track, you’ll have some compromises where the bike may be very good in one section and not so good in another. Here, the set-up has to be very good for the banking and the rider must do his best in the infield.”

On Wednesday, Haskovec rode the Formula Xtreme bike he used to earn podium finishes in the class. “It’s a bike I know well from last year, but with different tires,” he said. Vincent’s time on the Suzuki GSX-R600 was 1:44.494, good for fastest FX time in that session.

Geoff May was last year’s top privateer in AMA Superbike and now he has joined a factory-supported team. “I can’t wait until the season starts,” said May, who was timed at 1:42.334 on Wednesday. “Right off the bat, things are going really well with the team, Pirelli tires, and the bike. We just got our Suzuki GSX-R1000s right before this test. They are right out of the crate, the engines are completely stock, but we’re up there with some of the factory Superbikes.”

May also rode the Supersport machine. “I haven’t raced a 600 in a few years and that’s the area I might need some seat time to get back into it. The riding style is totally different than the big bikes.” he said.