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Ben Spies: My Retirement from Motorcycle Racing Is Definitive

More sad news come from Ben Spies’ camp, as he recently announced that his decision to retire from any kind of professional motorcycle racing activities is a definitive one.
Ben Spies 1 photo
Photo: motogp.com
A former AMA Superbike Champion in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Ben Spies is also a World Superbike Champion, having won the 2009 championship. Unfortunately, his career in the premier class was not as successful, and multiple injuries forced him to announce he was going to hang his Pamac Ducati leathers in late October 2013.

While everybody hoped his retirement was only a temporary one, and he would be back on the track once his shoulder injuries were sorted out, it appears like his two accidents left very serious marks on his physical condition. The initial crash in late 2012 during the Malaysian GP, was followed by al almost complete recovery, but the second wipeout in the free practice before the Indianapolis round involved surgery for both shoulders.

”Never say never, but unless the medical worlds does not come up with something truly spectacular, I’d say that I am 100% positive I will never return to racing,” Spies adds. As unpleasant being forced to retire was, Spies is happy that his retirement happened without excessive exposure. Though occurring after two crashes and in a horrible way, his retirement was triggered by a medical condition, in a decent and race-like way, he says. If the Indianapolis crash didn’t take place, Ben Spies says he might have even won several races and maybe ended the championship on the podium.

So far, all we can do is thank Ben for his devoted racing spirit and al the thrills, wishing him all the best in his future plans and a good recovery.
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