The 2008 AMA season will see Chris Peris (21) move from the 600 classes to the 1000cc Superstock class aboard an Evan Steel Performance Suzuki GSX-R1000. The team debuted at the DIS Dunlop test, running into the 1 minute 40-second range with a best of 1:40.1 on race tires.

"I would like to thank Dunlop for inviting us; we raced 06 GSXR-1000's when we came here last march, so it was a great opportunity to get some baseline settings established, as well as some more seat time for Chris on the big bike. It’s really impressive how close the times are when you consider this is only his second outing on a 1000cc machine. We just prepped a stock 2007 Suzuki GSXR-1000, to give Chris a chance to make this test. We should be back in March with a lighter, faster bike," crew chief Steel commented.

The ESP team had a chance to run a wide variety of setups and Peris managed to put together six separate race-length stints to assess tires and setup. "Evan and Phil (Allison) gave me a lot of things to test...they probably revalved the fork and shock four times in two days. I really like riding the big bike and can't wait for the season to start. We found some tires that should be great in March. Some of the riders are saying the class won’t be as competitive without the factories in Superstock, we’ll see. I think it’s going to be fun racing the best of the class, whether they have 18 wheelers or not.” said Peris.

Mechanic Phil Allison adds "I am impressed with Chris. He is very easy to work with, and talented for sure. With some more time and development on the bike, I think it is going to be a very good year."

The ESP team will next test at Fontana in January.