Competition Accessories rider John Kocinski took the top time at the Dunlop Tire Test at Daytona International Speedway this week, setting the mark at 1:49.5 on a qualifying tire, three tenths quicker than Mladin's time set with a race tire. All the more impressive is that the CompAcc Ducatis were just collections of parts in crates only a few short days ago.

"I can't believe we're close to anybody, really," laughed John. "A lot of things are way off. It's one of those things that'll take time."

John still isn't satisfied with the bike, however. "The thing is I know I can make this stuff better," Kocinski said. "I know I still have the ability to ride and the desire to help these guys (the CompAcc team) out, and that's what I want to do."

"We weren't really prepared to come here. December's just so early," John told AMASuperbike.com. "With everything so new, it's hard to get things done. The good thing is we tried most of the tires, I didn't fall down, and we're all leaving in one piece. That's a good thing."

"The thing is I really like Ducati, and it feels good to come back on the same bike," Kocinski said.