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 (MIC) is headquartered in Irvine, California with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914.
