Suzuki's Ben Spies has been crowned 2008 AMA Superbike champion but by the passing of bits of paper rather than on the track.

An appeal by Mat Mladin against his disqualification from both races at Virginia International Raceway was thrown out by AMA Pro Racing officals because it was "without merit" which means Spies' lead in the championship is unassailable with one round left to go at Laguna Seca.
A statement from the AMA said: "AMA Pro Racing announced today that the appeal of the disqualification of Mat Mladin on the #6 Suzuki from the Superbike races at Virginia International Raceway on August 16-17, 2008 has been deemed without merit and has been denied. The original penalty remains as previously announced and becomes final with this decision."
Mladin has asked for a written statement as to why his appeal was summarily rejected.
The championship is Spies’ third straight, making him only the fourth man to ever win three consecutive AMA Superbike Championships. Reg Pridmore, Fred Merkel and Mladin have each won three consecutive titles. Mladin has done it twice.
Read legend Don Emde's view on the AMA crisis.