WSBK » Ben Spies: I probably lost a couple of tenths...

Haga will count himself lucky if comes away 10 points up on Spies in the standings. That is till Valencia...

I really hope Spies doesn't make the mistake of staying another year in WSBK. I know he had become complacent with staying in the AMA championship instead of taking on the world stage and that was why I had initially lost some respect for him. I want to see him on a full factory supported yamaha in 2010 in MotoGP. He's proven he's a head above the rest of the world superbike grid and he may even make the series boring with dominant leads. So I want to see him up against Rossi, Stoner, Pedrosa, and Lorenzo. The time is now, he needs to prove how good he really is.

He needs to fully complete a year in WSBK, no doubt 100%. IF he can get a fully backed Yamaha ride in motoGP next year (which is doubtful), I think he should take that chance. If not, stay in WSBK and dominate. The bike in MotoGP is such a huge factor, so why risk the chance of becoming the best WSBK rider of all time, to be midpack in motoGP for a few years! Not only that, just because Spies is a solid superbike riders does not equal a dominate GP rider...totally different bikes. You need an example? Just look at Bayliss.

And don't hold any illusions that Spies will dominate or win everything...there is HUGE amount of racing to go - anything can happen

'He's proven he's a head above the rest of the world superbike grid and he may even make the series boring with dominant leads.'

I'm a fan of Spies, but this sweeping statement is a bit premature isn't it? Ok, he beat Haga last time out but only by a second or so. It wasn't quite the same as Rossi in '05 or '06 at PI when he got penalised for passing under yellow flag and then went and put 10 seconds on everyone else. Typically a WSB season starts to take shape come Round 4/5, when the series is back in Europe and the major players have become more apparent. Don't get me wrong, Spies is sensational but he needs to maintain that consistancy and level all season. He's capable but let's see

Yes Mr Bojangles but look what Bayliss did when he was able to bring his team over for the race at Valencia.

"I know he had become complacent with staying in the AMA championship instead of taking on the world stage and that was why I had initially lost some respect for him."

and how do you know he became "complacent"? Do you know if he had any factory MotoGP rides offered to him? I'm in the States and keep up with the racing and I don't recall any that was publicly offered. The guy is 24yrs old for crying out loud. He didn't even want to do WSBK - MotoGP is his goal. Taking on "the world stage" on crap bikes making crap money isn't that glamous. And how competitive is he making "the world stage" look? Jeez..................At least he had someone pushing him in AMA.................

Cemo, did you not hear of Spies Stop and Go, only to come back in 2nd afterwards? Stop and Go in the pits is more ot overcome than a 10 second penalty.

I agree with Mr Bojangles. To heck with MotoGP. It's too F1-esque at the moment. THIS is the championship that is hot right now. Chances of wining on a crap bike in MotoGP is nill anymore. In WSBK I think you've got more of a chance of making the difference with skill and standing out from the crowd. Rack up a few championships, then consider a move.

I warned my friends to keep a eye on Spies. I like the guy and he super talented. I watched the AMA on MotorsTV and saw what Spies can do.

It's pointless going into a series where the bike will put you mid-pack. People won't give you a ride in the world series' if you are mid-pack. If you dominate you got a better chance to get a top ride.

Stop and go can be easily 25-30 seconds depending on the pitlane length.

That's awesome, 2nd after stop and go. I agree WSB is hot at the mo. MotoGP needs more bikes on the grid and satellite bikes needs to closer to factory bikes.