This is the weekend Ben Spies has been waiting for. The two-time AMA Superbike champ gets a MotoGP wild-card ride at one of his favorite tracks.

It's no secret Spies is in line to jump to MotoGP next year, but how well he does in his wild card rides will heavily influence the quality of his ride next year.

Soup spoke to the Texan yesterday and he told Soup, "I really do think I can finish in the top six. I have a good feeling about this weekend and it's one I have been looking forward to for a long time," said Spies.

Ben will also race AMA Superbike this weekend.

UPDATE: Spies was quickest early in the session but tucked the front and crashed midway through the session. He walked away after tucking the front, but was looking at his hand after a bit of a roll through the dust. He was seventh quickest at the time.

Update #2: Spies is back on track with the spare bike.