The Future of Ben Spies
The Future of Ben Spies
By Dirck Edge
It is a virtual certainty that reigning AMA Superbike champ Ben Spies (still only 23 years of age) will race in Europe next year. His current employer, backed by American Suzuki, will not have Ben Spies or Mat Mladin participating in the DMG organized AMA roadracing events in 2009, and a possible alternative U.S. road race series could not realistically begin until the year 2010.
After qualifying eighth in the rain at Donington for the MotoGP event a couple of weeks ago, and performing well during the tire tests at Indy just a few days ago (again on a Suzuki MotoGP bike), several MotoGP teams have to be taking a look at the talented youngster. There are precious few MotoGP spots available, however, and Spies insists he wants a competitive machine (which might rule out some satellite teams).
Although he could end up in WSB, Spies has announced his first preference is a spot on the Suzuki MotoGP team in 2009. With Chris Vermeulen reportedly considering options to switch teams next year, Suzuki might be in a position to make Spies' dream come true. His performance as a wild card for Suzuki in upcoming MotoGP events could seal the deal.
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