As other teams set up their paddocks Wednesday, celebrated Superbike rookie Ben Spies didn't seem too anxious to jump into the fray. He was, for the moment, fiddling with a mountain bike outside his motor home. The 24-year old Texan, who lives in Italy during racing season, will compete in a mountain-bike race after this leg.

"I've never been a huge fan of flying and traveling," he said, "but I like trying all the different foods and seeing different countries. It's good to be back home, though."

Mitch Wright, Miller Motorsports Park director of racing, said Spies is generating a lot of interest on his home turf. He concedes Spies may be one of the reasons why ticket sales are up this year. It could also be that the motorsports park is establishing a reputation as an exceptional racing facility.

"Miller Park puts on a very good event," Julian Thomas, Superbike press manager said. "The track is liked by all riders."

Nicole Cline, Tooele County's economic-development director, likes the track, too.

"The kind of exposure we get from these races is fantastic in terms of tourism," she said.

On Sunday, as soon as the races end, Matta and his logistics crew will have 40 hours to coordinate packing the "city" so crates can make Tuesday morning's cargo flight. Next venue: Italy.

If you go:

The HANNspree Superbike World Championship Utah USA Round gets under way Friday. Support series will include the Supersport World Championship and the Larry H. Miller Superbike Challenge. Friday will include practice sessions, with additional practice and qualifying on Saturday, as well as a race for the Larry H. Miller Superbike Challenge GTU class. Races for the Superbike World Championship, Supersport World Championship and the Larry H. Miller Superbike Challenge GTO class are scheduled for Sunday.

For ticket information, visit www.MMPTix.com.

For more information on Miller Motorsports Park, call the track at (435) 277-RACE (7223) or visit the Web site at www.millermotorsportspark.com.

E-mail: jpallen@q.com