Ben Spies - 2011 Winner of the MotoGP Grand Prix at Dutch TT

Texas native Ben Spies is the most successful American MotoGP racer in the sport’s history. His unprecedented performance on the track has earned him international recognition and an impressive accumulation of the sport’s most sought-after awards. During his rise to fame over the past three years, Spies has been named World Superbike Champion (2009), MotoGP Rookie of the Year (2010) and holds the record for the longest AMA Superbike winning streak at seven races. MotoGP, the 1000cc class of the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix, is the third most popular sport in the world and each race attracts five times as many viewers as the Super Bowl.

Profile

Based in Longview, Texas
Nicknamed "Elbowz" for unique riding style
Created "Elbowz Racing Elite Cycling Team"
Born July 11, 1984

Accomplishments

• 2010 MotoGP "Rookie of the Year"
• First MotoGP win for an American since 2006 (2011)
• The second World Superbike rider to win a MotoGP race (2011)
• Holds the record for longest AMA Superbike winning streak, 7 races
• 2009 World Superbike Champion in his Rookie Year
• The First World Champion for Yamaha World Superbike Team (2009)
• Spies is the third youngest MotoGP rider to with the AMA Superbike Championship, at 22 years, 2 months and 20 days