Ben Spies Retires from Motorcycle Racing

Ben Spies announced his retirement from motorcycle racing, as injuries cut short a once promising career for the American. Spies retires with a World Superbike title in his first and only season in the series, and three AMA Superbike Championships.

“I want to thank everyone from racing organizations, factories, teams and all my fans for helping me and supporting me throughout my career,” says Spies. “I never dreamed that I would reach the level of success that I have over the past 20 years of racing, but the time has come to stop and I do so with great sadness.”

The Texas native had been sidelined for most of the 2013 season  after signing with Ducati and the Pramac Racing team due to a shoulder injury. Spies first sustained the injury during the previous season when Spies raced for the factory Yamaha team. After attempting to come back a couple of times this season, Spies suffered another injury at Indianapolis, ending his season.

Spies had another year on his contract but after determining that his injuries may prevent him from racing in 2014, Spies decided it was time to walk away from the sport.

“I had such high hopes for racing for Ducati, and Ducati has been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging year, so I am tremendously disappointed that I have not been able to fulfill my personal goals and team goals with Ducati,” says Spies.

Spies retires with a single MotoGP victory – 2011 at Assen – in 55 races. Before moving up to MotoGP, Spies had a phenomenal 2009 WSBK season, winning 14 times in 28 races to win the championship. Before entering the international racing scene, Spies had a very successful run in AMA Pro Racing racing for Suzuki, winning three AMA Superbike titles from 2006-2008, with an overall record of 29 wins and 68 podiums in 74 races in the class. Spies also won the AMA Superstock title in 2007 and the AMA Formula Xtreme title in 2003.

[Source: Pramac]

By Dennis Chung