Rockstar Suzuki's Ben Spies could wrap up his third consecutive AMA Superbike title at Road Atlanta this weekend if his team-mate Mat Mladin's disqualification from the previous two races is upheld.
Mladin was thrown out of the results from Virginia International Raceway after a technical inspection deemed his GSX-R1000 to have an illegal crank. His team is appealing against the decision.
It means, however, that Spies only needs to cruise round in 19th place for 12 points in order to join Mladin, Reg Pridmore and Fred Merkel as the only riders to take three back-to-back titles.
Spies has never won at Road Atlanta but doesn't really need to. If he takes enough points in the first race, however, he may as well go for the top of the podium as it could well be the last time he rides there.
It is no secret that Spies wants out of racing in the States and is desperate for MotoGP ride. He is a Suzuki man through and through but it would seem the factory had locked him out and has chosen to stick with current riders Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen.
However, the rumour mill suggests that Spies has been in talks with Davide Tardozzi at Xerox Ducati for a move to World Superbikes in 2009 if a MotoGP seat is unavailable.
