[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 3, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING A LEGEND--BEN SPIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, here on the floor of the House 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. Ben won the 2009 FIM 
Superbike World Championship.
  This brave and talented Texan started racing as an 8-year-old child 
with the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association and, for good 
reason, has earned himself the nickname ``Texas Terror.'' Ben is the 
second youngest rider to win the American Motorcyclist Association 
Superbike Championship, and the fourth youngest rider with 20 AMA 
Superbike wins. He holds the third most all-time AMA Superbike wins, 
and boasts the longest AMA Superbike winning streak.
  After coming off his third straight AMA Superbike Championship, Ben 
successfully beat the expected winner, Noriyuki Haga, at the 2009 FIM 
Superbike World Championship by six points with 11 poles in the 14 
round series for a total of 28 races. The discipline, dedication and 
success that Ben has displayed to the sport of motocross racing over 
the past 16 years has truly set him apart as a true champion.
  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.
  May God bless and protect an American legend, Ben Spies.

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