Of course it is and it is even more important in any type of motorsports racing.
There are new tire and suspension vendors at the track this year and while they are all really smart people, they cant give you a magic answer. The thing with having a successful racing program (doesn't only meaning winning) is asking the right questions.
Tire and suspension vendors can only give answers based on the questions asked and the information given along with the questions. So before you go and ask a vendor a question expecting a magical answer, figure out what the bike or tires is doing so when you ask them a question they dont ask you a question you are not sure about.
These are busy people and "hang on I will have to go and check" isnt what they really want to hear. The next trick is figuring out the "right" questions to ask and I would suggest spending some time with the tire/suspension vendor when they aren't slammed, which could be before the day has started or after it has finshed.
Going fast is about having the right information to help you go fast. You see a lot of the better funded teams using data aquisition and having their own suspension technician. Information is key for any racer, the smart racer's learn to ask the right questions :wink: Regardless of how fast you are or how long you have been racing, talk with your tire/suspension vendor (when they have time) to figure out what sort of information they will need to help you in your quest.