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Running on Fumes

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Spies World Superbike Success Not a Surprise

Monday, March 16, 2009

Did we say Ben Spies might need to learn the international circuits before finding World Superbike success? Actually, it looks like the World Superbike grid might have to learn something new – seeing Mr. Spies atop the podium.

The three-time AMA Superbike champion is making his adjustment to a new series seamlessly. Not only is he switching championships, Spies has swapped manufacturers and tires too. Not to mention a whole new paddock of rivals to gauge. And the American is making it look easy!

Ben Spies is displaying his obvious talent in the 2009 World Superbike Championship.

The season started poorly for Spies, with a zero-points-scoring 16th-place finish in Race 1 at Phillip Island. Since then the Yamaha ace has been literally unbeatable with three consecutive wins. Already Spies has cut the deficit to Ducati’s Noriyuki Haga to a very manageable 10 points with 24 races to go. At this rate, Spies will tie Haga next round at Valencia.

But while unexpected, perhaps, is the immediate success of Spies really a surprise?

After battling former Yoshimura Suzuki teammate Mat Mladin for three bitterly hard-fought AMA Superbike crowns, you have to wonder how difficult World Superbike seems for Spies. During those three campaigns Spies had to overcome point deficits, injuries and the pressure of must-win races. Not to mention Mladin’s headgames…

Now that Spies’ talents are showcased in the World Superbike series, his old rivalry with Mladin makes for some intriguing questions. Like how many World Superbike titles Mladin could have collected had he wished it?

It’s speculation, of course, but what we do know for sure is that with three of four wins to open the season and a pair of Superpole victories, it looks like there is no stopping Spies in 2009.

World Superbike Qatar Results
World Superbike Phillip Island Results
Ben Spies World Superbike Bio

Post Tags: ben spies world superbike, ben spies wsb, spies success

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Comments

benroe - great racing March 22, 2009 09:24 AM
This is great for american pride, but I want to see Mladin in WSBK. The DMG has ruined racing over here in the states, and the second world beater (Mladin) needs to head on over to where the real racing is.

Keith - WSBK March 18, 2009 08:58 PM
Certainly makes you wonder how Mladin could have fared as well if given the opp to go WSBK versus spending the past decade+ stateside. One can only assume he'd be on the pace with the rest of the field which certainly has a plethora of talent. I am surprised the Aprilia and Max are going so well in these early rounds; hopefully he can continue as well which keeps me watching. Go SPIES!!

SRo - My boy Spies March 18, 2009 08:43 PM
I think is one of the best riders I have ever seen. Granted, I was alive during the Golden Age of the Premiere Class, but at 23 I dont remember too much. Rossi is probably the greatest racer I've seen, but Spies has to be top 3. I watched his first season in AMA Superbike, and was like, "wow, he's awesome." Even though that was the first season of racing I had personally watched, there was something about him that made me think he's the man. I hope and pray he wins the WSBK crown this seaon, and show those Euros that we can race over here too. Much congrats and thanks to the 3 time AMA champ, Ben Spies!

Racer1 - A little surprised, very happy, but cautious March 18, 2009 05:36 PM
Ben has had a dream start to the season, and if he hadn't been a victim of Race 1's racing incident he could very likely have 4 for 4 right now. I am a little surprised, not totally though. I thought he'd have a couple of weekends dialing in the Yam before contending for wins, but he took care of all he needed to in testing and that's great. I am cautious as he goes into Europe. I think he will find the Ducati's more competitive on the European tracks and if Biaggo gets the Aprilia a little more on song, he's be a force. It's not over by a long shot - but it's a damn good start!

Grayfox117 - Go Spies March 18, 2009 02:19 PM
After watching the 1st 4 races in WSBK, I find it quite amazing to see what Spies is doing. For me, it's like a double edged sword now that Spies has left AMA. I love the fact that us Americans finally have a contender to cheer for in WSBK, but AMA or NASBIKE as Rapid calls it below seems to be unwatchable now....They might as well hand the title to Mladin this year, cause it's going to be one boring ass season in AMA. WSBK is clearly the series to watch this year. Just wish Bayliss hadn't retired, cause him vs Spies could have been epic.

Rapid - Why its Ben of course! Who else did you expect? March 18, 2009 01:05 PM
Having been involved in US road racing since the 70's and having traveled across the US with the likes of Roberts, Askland, Romero, Freddie, Nixon etc. etc. it is no surprise to me or others that know Ben. When you see greatness you know. Ben (and Mladin I might add) are the rare 1%'ers who have the ability to go anywhere and learn a track as they go around because they've recorded in their data loggers (their heads) so many corners that they can read one corner to the next and log it into memory. Ben, like Kenny and Freddie have that ability to go to a new track they've never seen, learn it in a day or two, break the track record, get pole and win. I and other never had any doubt that barring any unforeseen incident Ben would do just what he's doing now and will continue to do so. I only wish Mladin were there with him for that 1, 2 punch! It made me so sick to hear all these people here in the US whining because Ben and Mladin won everything. They said it was unfair equipment or this or that. What they failed to realize is they were witnessing greatness. They were seeing 2 of the worlds best go at it and dominate because they are the best in their class, period. Ben will go on and I feel win the #1 in WSBK his first year and he should then move on to GP's and really show them. In closing about Mladin I wonder what DMG will do now to slow down Matt? Will they add a lead belt? Perhaps make him right with only 3 spark plug wires connected? With DMG killing road racing in the US its saved me a great deal of money as I no longer go to any so called AMA Superbike oh I mean production races any more. Why do I want to go see what I could see at any club race. I went to the races to see bikes I couldn't see anywhere else. Exotic equipment. But, all the other teams whined so now you have NASBIKE. Enjoy it but it will be without me and many of my friends who feel the exact same way. Instead were off watch some WSBK races and spend out $$$ where its appreciated and not at any so called AMA/NASBIKE oh please Superbike races? =(

Jaybond - European Rounds March 17, 2009 05:38 PM
We need to see first how Ben & the new R1 perform at the European rounds.That's the majority of the championship rounds. If Ben and his team are able to put a consistent challenge and wins at those venues, then it will be simply quite mind blowing. Let's wait for the Spanish round.

KT - Fast Start March 17, 2009 07:04 AM
I have to admit, I assumed Spies would take a year before he would be ready to contend for an SBK title. With a new bike, new team, new tires, and new circuit, Ben is like f__k it. Lets go win some races........ Just wish Bayliss would have raced for another year on the Duc.....

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