Ben Spies never thought about becoming an international motorcycle road racing star growing up in the east Texas town of Longview, but he's become exactly that in his first season in the Superbike World Championship.Spies has been sensational in the opening six rounds of the season. He's won five of 12 races (each round is a doubleheader) and six straight poles to tie the series' record set in 1991 by American Doug Polen. The 24-year-old is third in the championship, which reaches its halfway point this weekend in the only round located in the United States -- at Miller Motorsports Park, just west of Salt Lake City.
"Honestly, I didn't think about riding internationally when I first went into riding professionally," Spies said. "I'm definitely glad I took the step and am doing it."
It takes a serious commitment to race internationally, mostly in terms of a profound lifestyle change. Living in Europe is almost mandatory for logistical reasons, and travel is global. Spies has raced in Australia, Qatar and South Africa this season, plus three European rounds.
Spies lives at Lake Como, a fashionable area in northern Italy that is 30 minutes from his team's base in Monza. It's a place where you can find plenty of veal, steak and pasta, but no barbecue ribs and chicken. Spies has taken the adjustment in stride.
Ben Spies image
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Ben Spies in racing
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