For racing fans around the world WSBK Champion Ben Spies is a household name, but for the mainstream sports press especially in the U.
S.
where football rules and in motorsports, NASCAR is the queen, motorcyle racing is relegated to the role of Cinderella and barely gets a mention.
In Europe, motorcycle racers are recognized as atheletes and superstars and get in the news and on the front pages, so when Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert gets up in front of the U.
S.
House of Reprensentatives and pays tribute to Ben Spies and his world title, we think that this is a first step in the right direction in recognizing and bringing the due attention on this wonderful sport, that we all love and respect.
Press Release after the jump and if you want to see a video interview with Ben Spies discussing his switch to MotoGP on Wind Tunnel just click here.
U.
S.
Representative Recognizes Ben Spies’ Historic World Superbike ChampionshipTexas Congressman Louie Gohmert Commends Spies on the Floor of CongressWASHINGTON, D.
C.
, Feb.
5, 2010 – Ben Spies and his World Superbike Championship were recognized in the U.
S.
House of Representatives yesterday by Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Texas.
“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.
“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.
” Up against the world’s best superbike riders, Spies took a season-record 11 pole positions, won 14 of 28 races, many on tracks he had never seen, and claimed the championship in his rookie year.
Before contesting the world championship series, Spies was the U.
S.
Superbike champion for three consecutive years.
“We were thrilled to be able to bring Spies’ achievement to Congressman Gohmert’s attention and delighted that he saw fit to honor Spies in this way,” said Kathy Van Kleeck, senior vice president, government relations, for the Motorcycle Industry Council.
“It is a wonderful commendation for Spies as well as positive recognition for motorcycling and motorcycle racing.
”Duane Taylor, MIC director, federal affairs, said, “We would like to thank Representative Gohmert for highlighting this achievement and our sport.
” The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues.
It is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms and consultants.