Astro-JJR HIPPO and MAR Performance MOTO have joined forces to bring a Suzuki GSX-R750 to the Daytona 200, tapping rider Carl Soltisz and his Super Carl Racing crew to pilot the effort. The collaboration blends two experienced UK outfits’ engineering know‑how with Soltisz’s racecraft and on-track familiarity, all aimed at delivering the team’s strongest result yet at the iconic American classic.
The partnership at a glance
– Rider: Carl Soltisz, supported by his travelling Super Carl Racing crew.
– Machine: Suzuki GSX-R750 prepared to Daytona specification.
– Teams: Astro-JJR HIPPO (chassis and electronics) and MAR Performance MOTO (workshop, GSX-R setup under former BSB rider Malcolm Ashley).
– Goal: Combine resources and experience to improve performance and reliability at Daytona.
Why the pairing makes sense
Astro-JJR HIPPO brings expertise from its Supersport Next Gen programme—particularly in chassis development and electronics calibration—while MAR Performance MOTO provides precision GSX-R preparation and workshop capacity. Soltisz contributes a seasoned rider’s perspective plus a tight-knit crew used to the pressures of race day. Together they aim to shorten the learning curve by sharing data, streamlining setups and iterating quickly rather than starting from scratch.
Technical focus
Daytona demands a rare mix of high‑speed stability on the banking and nimble handling through the infield. The team’s engineers are prioritising:
– Suspension and chassis balance to cope with banking loads and rapid direction changes.
– Gearing and aerodynamic trim to sustain top‑end speed without sacrificing corner exit.
– Engine mapping tuned for prolonged high‑speed runs.
Telemetry is central: closed-track shakedowns and simulation work will feed setup changes, while MAR’s workshop routines will standardise preparation so the bike is consistent lap after lap.
Testing and development plan
A coordinated test programme will mix on-track validation with simulation and data analysis. Astro-JJR HIPPO’s prior activity in the US and Australia will help benchmark setups across conditions, accelerating development before Daytona. The team intends progressive validation at circuits that mirror the demands of the Speedway, with refinements carried out as the event approaches.
Race mentality and crew discipline
Soltisz favours steady, measurable gains over headline-grabbing overhauls. That methodical mindset shapes pit strategy, rider coaching and setup choices—the emphasis is on consistency and reliability rather than risky one-off changes. Daily mechanical checks, extended telemetry windows and tight crew briefings are already part of the routine. Pit drills are rehearsed to the second and contingency plans for tyre and brake strategies are mapped for shifting track temperatures.
A few personal touches
Soltisz often describes chassis balance in sensory terms—how the bike “feels” through his hands and body—and that tactile feedback is actively translated into suspension and throttle mapping choices. The team also draws on unexpected parallels: small, precise adjustments often deliver the biggest improvements, whether in a kitchen or on a racetrack.
Leadership and continuity
Team owner Stuart Tromans underlines continuity as a cornerstone of confidence. He points to past recruitment successes—riders such as Rhys Irwin and Tom Toparis—and ongoing relationships with multiple Daytona entrants as evidence of the squad’s steady development. Tromans also acknowledged the late Shane Richardson as an influential figure in the team’s recent history.
What to expect on race weekend
The engineering playbook is simple: protect reliability while maximising consistent lap times. Strategy will balance aggression with preservation—planned stint lengths, fuel windows designed to limit extra stops, and tyre management that keeps the GSX-R competitive through each stint. Live running and qualifying will be where planned changes meet real conditions; the team expects to refine telemetry baselines and shave seconds off pit routines as the weekend unfolds.
Longer-term ambitions
Beyond a single result at Daytona, the partnership is being positioned as a platform for ongoing cooperation. For Astro-JJR HIPPO and MAR Performance MOTO, Soltisz offers rapid, rider-led feedback to speed setup and testing. For Soltisz, alignment with established UK teams expands exposure and could open doors to further international programmes in both the United States and the UK.
The partnership at a glance
– Rider: Carl Soltisz, supported by his travelling Super Carl Racing crew.
– Machine: Suzuki GSX-R750 prepared to Daytona specification.
– Teams: Astro-JJR HIPPO (chassis and electronics) and MAR Performance MOTO (workshop, GSX-R setup under former BSB rider Malcolm Ashley).
– Goal: Combine resources and experience to improve performance and reliability at Daytona.0