No, we’re not talking about spies like 007 or Austin Powers.  Although as three-time winner of the American Superbike Championship it may seem like Ben Spies’ bike is equipped with secret weapons. Riding the new Yamaha YZF R1 Superbike, with secret weapons lacking, Spies was among the leaders in every test during the pre-season.  

With the onset of the first race at Phillip Island, Spies held a slight advantage starting in pole position.  It was apparent after the first few turns, when Spies was forced off the track, that the engineers at Yamaha should have integrated a secret weapon into the bike to calm, 24-year-old, Spies’ nerves.  His nerves may have gotten the best of him at the beginning of the race, but after facing two incidents that slowed him down, Spies finished the race in 16th place with lap times near surpassing the leaders. 

 

At the beginning of race two, Spies maintained a close yet comfortable lead ahead of the pack.  This lead grew tighter as Haga approached Spies, engaging them in a dance for first place.  The two men traded places like two Latin dancers, both full of passion, doing everything in their own power to lead the other.  The tempo increased dramatically as the race went on.  No one knew who would be the victor.  Spies ended the dance, taking the lead for the win with four laps to go, as he stepped on the toes of Haga.  

Spies will enter the race at Qatar in 4th place, just one point away from third. The charismatic racer arrived at Phillip Island prepared to compete and that he did.  Now that we know that Spies can not only race but he can dance, the upcoming races are guaranteed to be vigorous, stimulating, and engaging.