Three complete seasons. This is the time that Ben Spies spent in the premier category, all for a victory. It seems hard to believe, especially for those who don't know him, but this man had talent. A lot of talent. Return to a real enigma which trod the gates of the MotoGP.
Born in 1984 in Tennessee, Ben Spies is one of the descendants of the 'great' Americans: like Kenny Roberts, Spencer, Schwantz, Lawson or Rainey, he started with small races at the national level, sometimes on dirt, before make a name. He has all the characteristics of a 'golden boy'. Everything went well for him at the start of his career, which allowed him to enter the legendary AMA championship at just 15 years old.
The years passed, he climbed the ranks (still on Suzuki) and found himself titled three times in a row, from 2006 to 2008. In general, careers of this type continue in Superbike, an effective springboard for the Americans. But the talent was too great. This is how Suzuki offered him two wild cards in MotoGP for the 2008 season which correspond to the two American Grands Prix, at Indianapolis and Laguna Seca. But his dream comes true sooner than expected when he is offered a ride to Silverstone. Indeed, Suzuki had naturally selected him to replace the injured Loris Capirossi.
He recorded a 14th place there, then confirmed his good form with two top-10s in Indiana and California. For the future, he prefers to join the Yamaha clan in Superbike. One year of participation, one title. Like that, it's settled. MotoGP teams cannot avoid the phenomenon. It was the French from Tech3 who won the jackpot.
A saving change of manufacturer. Here in 2009, on Yamaha. Photo: adriaan
This one follows James Toseland, and it's immediately fast. For his very first race, he was fifth, just four seconds behind Rossi. Four races later, in Great Britain, he was on the podium. The teams are eyeing him, especially as the season progresses, and transfers are organized. The rumor about Valentino Rossi at Ducati is growing, and he becomes the main contender to replace 'The doctor'.
After a second place in Indianapolis, accompanied by the pole, he secured his title of rookie of the year as well as a handlebar at Yamaha. In 20 races completed at the highest level, he is already a factory driver. 2011 was to be the year of confirmation. There was no shortage of it. Even if he is inconsistent, Spies is capable of winning, as he did in Assen. The result is three podiums and a victory for this exercise. But already, problems. It takes a volume in Australia; he suffered broken ribs and a concussion.
He talked with the best, but not for long. Here at Laguna Seca in 2012. Photo: Raniel Diaz
Spies is therefore considered one of the contenders for the final podium in 2012 after his good fifth place in the ranking the previous year. But the descent into hell begins. It hurts, because we know how talented he was. Despite two fourth places, we have the impression that he can't do it anymore. Between too many falls, serious injuries and twists of fate, we no longer find the man with such a particular driving style, elbows out. He was dismissed by Yamaha after a disastrous season, and found himself at Ducati Pramac …for two races.
The injuries, physical and mental, are too serious. Realize it. A man who fights body and soul with Casey Stoner for victory on November 6, 2011 announces his retirement from sports on October 26, 2013. Cruel. Like a bolt of lightning, Ben Spies struck. Then disappeared. Since 2013, he has more or less faded away, although he updates frequently via social networks... until recently. For 2024, he returns to service as team principal of the Ducati Indianapolis in MotoAmerica Supersport, supervised by American legend Graham Rahal. With, why not, the hope of a move to WSBK for 2025. This is a very sad case that we have here, which proves, once again if necessary, that pure talent is not enough to win at the highest level.
What memories do you keep of it? Tell us in the comments!
Still at Laguna Seca in 2012, but horizontal. Photo: Raniel Diaz
