Last year Ben Spies won the pole and led for seven laps at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. Indy is one of the best circuits for Spies. He knows the 2.6-mile, 16-turn course as well, or better, than any other rider having tested extensively at the circuit. This year Spies will have the factory Yamaha to ride versus the satellite machine he had last year, so that’s in his favor. Going against him is the fact that the Honda GP bikes have been vastly superior this year. Most pundits feel that Spies will have to break away early and build a big lead, as he did as Assen, to have a real chance to win at Indy.

Ben Spies leads the pack at the start of the 2010 Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. Since winning the pole and leading early in the race last year, much is expected of Spies this weekend at Indy, now that he’s on the factory Yamaha. (Larry Lawrence photo)