WASHINGTON, 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.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to
Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since
1914.
# # #
Printable PDF (Left-click to open; right-click to save)