Ben Spies: “I wish I could have raced Bayliss”

American Ben Spies has revealed that he would have loved to have raced with Troy Bayliss sighting the Australian as one of his all time favourite riders.

Since arriving in the WSB paddock, the three time American Superbike Champion has been a sensation finishing second fastest at the first official top teams test in South Africa.

Despite his undeniable pace, Spies remains in awe of the three times World Superbike Champion.

Speaking to MCN, he said:

“I would have liked to have raced with Bayliss because he’s the best World Superbike guy out there. But for my first year in the series and the fact that I’ve got to learn new tracks then maybe it’s better that he’s not here!. Bayliss has been one of my favourite riders for a long time and I wish I’d have been able to share the track with him to see how I’d go.

Although Spies won’t have to deal with Bayliss next year he still faces stiff competition and a depth of field that he’s not used to in next years WSB championship.

“Either way it’s going to be good, we’ve got two new manufacturers, a heap of British kids and Nakano coming in from MotoGP. I think on the right day we can be up front and maybe even get a couple of wins, but like any series it’s going to be tough.”