"Rode for Peter Doyle and Kawasaki" is a catch phrase many Superbike fans are aware of. It's a sort of tacit approval that a rider is mentally tough, skilled and disciplined.

Some of the riders that have ridden for Doyle in the past include Aaron Slight, Scott Russell, Mat Mladin, Damon Buscmaster, Marty Cragill, and Andrew Pitt.

This season, he will work as crewchief for Mat Mladin again, albeit in the U.S.

After a long run in his native Australia with Kawasaki, Doyle has signed a three year deal to work for Yoshimura here in the States. Daytona is his first function with his new team after 'observing' at a previous test, but there are a litany of familiar faces around him. "I've only been here a couple of days, but it's great," Doyle said.

Mladin has a long history with Doyle, and when Mladin's crewchief Amarr Bazzaz was promoted to be the liason to Suzuki's racing department, Doyle was a logical choice to take his slot.

"Mat started with us in 1992 in Superbike, and we worked with him again in 1994 and 1995," recalls Doyle, who worked at Kawasaki Australia seemingly forever.

Doyle, considered to be a master race strategist, also worked with Scott Russell in 1993 when the Georgian won the World Superbike Championship on the Muzzy KAwasaki. He still digs the rider many think can still win races. "I love Scott and have a lot of respect for him. He's a tryer," says Doyle.

"He's obviously been riding something that he wasn't fond of or was uncompetitive. For sure, if he can get it together there's no doubt he can ride it."

Doyle just arrived in the US, as he flew over for the test. "I just got here Saturday night," he confessed. "I came out here Sunday and had a look. Monday morning they gave me the bits of paper and said, 'There you go'."

Although he just arrived on the AMA scene, Peter is by no means a stranger in the paddock. "I actually know a lot of the guys. Reg (O'Rourke) worked for me for over ten years. We started together in maybe '85. I took him to Europe for the first time and he's been away ever since," Doyle laughed. "I couldn't get him back."

"I know Vic (Fasola, Yates' mechanic) from the Muzzy days. Rich (Doan, team coordinator) actually worked with Gary Medley and myself in 1993 with Scott. So I know a few of the guys."

While he's been half a world away, Doyle has been keeping track of the AMA. "I follow it a bit from home, so I know who everyone is and what's going on. It's a big series, and I'm just glad to be here."

Doyle can't yet compare the talent levels in Oz with those in the US. "It's a bit difficult to tell. I only got to hear about Nicky Hayden and Kurtis Roberts and those up and coming guys from the States. In Australia, we've gone down a bit because every time someone does something good, they're gone. There's no money there."

A trans-pacific move awaits Doyle. "I'm going to move over in January. I'm going to find a place in L.A."

Mr.Doyle, welcome to America and the AMA Championship.