Spies honoured in US Congress
Added on Monday, February 8th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Spies won his, and Yamaha's, first WSB rider's championship in his rookie season.
Yamaha rider Ben Spies was recognised on the floor of the US House of Representatives last week after Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert took time to praise the achievements of the World Superbike Champion.
Spies, who took the WSB title with 14 wins from 28 in his first ever season in WSB, was officially praised in Congress after Mr Gohmert claimed that he had “blazed a trail” for future successes.
“Mr. Speaker, here on the floor…of the United States House of Representatives, tribute must be paid to the incredible achievement of a constituent of the First District of Texas, from Longview, he’s already a legend, Ben Spies,” Gohmert said of the 25-year old, also a three-time AMA championship winner, who is now with the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP team.
“Ben Spies is to be congratulated upon his winning the 2009 FIM Superbike World Championship. He has no doubt blazed a trail for future successes with his steady hand, nerves of steel, and balance like nowhere found here in the House of Representatives.”
“We were thrilled to be able to bring Spies’ achievement to Congressman Gohmert’s attention and delighted that he saw fit to honour Spies in this way,” said Kathy Van Kleeck, senior vice president of government relations for the Motorcycle Industry Council. “It is a wonderful commendation for Spies as well as positive recognition for motorcycling and motorcycle racing.”
“We would like to thank Representative Gohmert for highlighting this achievement and our sport,” added Duane Taylor, MIC director of federal affairs.
