In last weekend’s GP race at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Ben Spies said that he was suffering from nerve pain in his chest believing that it was caused by overcompensating his lingering shoulder issues, and then during Sunday’s warm-up felt a large twinge that almost made him decide not to race, but the Ignite Ducati rider gritted his teeth and rode to a 13th spot.
Apparently Spies’physical problems are much more serious than previously believed, as it has been confirmed that the Texas Terror will be forced to skip the third round of the season at Jerez (May 3-5) and will be replaced by test rider Michele Pirro, who was already scheduled to race as a wildcard by the Ducati factory team.
UPDATE:Ignite Pramac has released the following statement regarding Ben Spies’ condition and reporting that their rider will be back for the Le Mans round (May 19th).
Unfortunately, the pain felt by the Ignite Pramac Racing Team rider at the end of the warm up during last weekend in Austin (Texas), has had more serious consequences than expected.
As a result, Ben Spies will not be able to race at the next round of the Championship, held on May 5th in Jerez, Spain.
After taking part regularly in the Texan race, in which he finished in 13th position, the American rider was seen by his medical staff, who advised him three consecutive weeks of intense rehab in order to alleviate the strain in his pectorals and back muscles.
Despite the constant improvement in the condition of his shoulder after recent surgery, Ben still needs further intense work to build up his muscle, and to acquire the necessary strength which will enable him to endure the stress during the race.
Therefore the therapy will be different to what he has done so far, focused on limb mobility, thanks to his better physical condition.
These three weeks of therapy will allow the Texan to be back for the Le Mans race.