Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin received his Christmas present early this year in the form of a new GSX-R1000, now legal for AMA Superbike. Mladin and teammate Aaron Yates had never ridden the 2003 version of the bike before the Daytona test. Despite that, Mladin turned a best time of 1m48.7889, good for second quickest. It certainly appears that the GSX-R1000 will be a formidable power in AMA racing. According to Mladin, the acceleration is already impressive, although the team continues to come to terms with handling. There is still much work to be done as new parts continue to flow from Japan to the Yoshimura team.

Anthony Gobert rode for his new Austin Ducati squad at the test. Gobert was third fastest on the 998RS Superbike, turning a time of 1m49.2708. After two years on the underpowered Yamaha R7, Gobert is back on the Italian v-twin. He's healthy too, after a broken ankle from a crash forced him to miss several races and impaired him in several others during the 2002 season.

"We'll be competitive, for sure," Gobert said after riding the 998RS on the 3.56 mile (5.73km) track.

There were several Aussies testing Supersport bikes in preparation for their 2003 seasons. Damon Buckmaster returns to the Yamaha team next season and rode an R6 at the test. Damon and Yamaha were more concerned with sorting out the fuel injection of the R6 than setting a quick time, although Damon chimed in with a respectable 1m54.1095. "I don't mind the testing at all," Bucky said. "It elevates the team and that's good."

Speaking of teammates, Aaron Gobert also tested a Yamaha R6 in Florida. The track was the scene of a horrible crash for Aaron last year, but that's all in the past, he says. The middle Gobert brother turned in a best time of 1m53.6521 and reported improvements to the R6 chassis for 2003.

Younger brother Alex Gobert will race for the Erion team in the US in 2003 and stated that the new CBR600RR gives him the feel from the front he lacked last season. Alex has also improved physically. "I have been working with a personal trainer, this year I hope to have a little bit extra for the end of the races."

His best recorded time was a 1m53.8970 lap.

Taking Alex's spot with the Bruce Transportation team is Marty Cragill. 'Mad Eyes' had never been to Daytona before, but Marty shook down the team's CBR600RR and the Formula Xtreme bike in the limited track time. Cragill's best laps were 1m58.0945 on the Supersport bike and 1m53.4544 on the Xtreme.

After Christmas, the riders will resume testing, largely in California. Hopefully, it won't rain next time!