Spies pleased with debut performance

The reigning AMA Superbike champion, who qualified in a stunning eighth position in the wet yesterday, finished the sunny but windy race in the points in 14th place for Rizla Suzuki while replacing injured Loris Capirossi.

Spies was particularly happy with the way his lap times improved as the race progressed.

"It was a tough race as I was still trying to learn the tyres, the bike and the track in the first few laps," said the American.

"The first half of the race felt like garbage to me, but the second half was really good! I was running times towards the end that would have put us in the top-10 so I'm quite pleased with that. I was catching the guys in front and reeling them in lap-by-lap, but I just didn't have enough laps to get up and past them.

"I was definitely getting more comfortable on the bike and even though the result wasn't what I wanted the times at the end were really fast and I'm happy with that!"

Suzuki's team manager Paul Denning praised Spies's error-free weekend and made clear the rider should be racing at Assen next week if Capirossi is still sidelined with his injury.

"Ben did a good job here this weekend and he looked comfortable and quick on the bike towards the end of the race," said Denning.

"He turned in lap times that were good enough for the top-10 - and that is a credit to him. He hasn't made a mistake all weekend and has improved consistently no matter what has been thrown at him. He has done very well indeed.

"It's not yet clear whether Ben will race at Assen to continue his learning curve, but he will be there ready to step in if Loris is not able to ride."

Spies is scheduled to also race as a Suzuki wild card in the two upcoming events in the United States, at Laguna Seca in July and at Indianapolis in September.