MotoGP interview – Ben Spies at Silverstone
Elbowz on track! - Photo: Ben Henderson
Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was kind enough to spare some time for an interview on Saturday evening.
What advice would you give a young kid wanting to get into Motorcycle Racing?
Ben Spies: You know, that’s a tough one because it is quite a hard sport to get into.
Once you get into it and you have talent, I think it is not so hard to show.
But it is difficult to get involved in it because it is an expensive sport.
All you can do is try everything and if you get the opportunity then push!
The biggest thing is to remember Why you like to do it, not just getting hung up on the one race because you do get bad days.
You need to want to do it: getting involved in it, looking out for opportunities…
I guess you need a strong mind to be able to pick yourself up quickly when things don’t go your way?
Ben Spies: Yes because it happens all the time. Sometimes things happen that are out of your control and there is nothing you can do about it.
You just have to go with it. Tomorrow is another day!
Ben vs Marco at Silverstone - Photo: Ben Henderson
Many riders go cycling during their time off. How does it help with training for MotoGP?
Ben Spies: The cycling just gives you 2 wheels. It’s what’s “Normal”.
You go and ride for 2 to 3 hours and you can think about what you need to do, things like that.
You can train in many different ways for Motorbike Racing. Cycling is just the trend. You have to find what you like to do.
Actually, Running is scientifically better training but cycling is more fun!
Happy in Team Texas?!
Ben Spies: Yeah! It’s got a different feel to it because it is French and Texan but it’s good!
The team and the bike are great!
Have you picked up any French yet?!
Ben Spies: *Chuckles* No, no, no!
Team Texas do a practice start - Photo: Ben Henderson
What music gets you “pumped up” before a race? Any favourite tracks or bands?
Ben Spies: I am into Modern Rock but it changes throughout the months. It depends on what kind of mood I’m in.
If I feel things are going good, I listen to tracks with a bit more of a rhythm.
I like Breaking Benjamins and Three Days Grace: they are good bands.
I’m into pretty much all the top Rock bands in America.
