American Honda execs categorically deny that they will fund Ben Spies' possible MotoGP career.

Published reports state that American Honda will be paying for Ben Spies' salary if he joins the Gresini Honda MotoGP squad in 2009.

Background: Spies' chances of joining the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team in '09, at one point, looked to be quite favorable. But GP insiders now say there seems to be just a slight chance that he will replace either Loris Capirossi or Chris Vermeulen. The chances of Suzuki building a third bike and fielding a third rider in '09 are slim to none. Spies is probably not going MotoGP racing on a Suzuki unless a last minute change of heart comes from Suzuki Japan.

Fausto Gresini, according to Italian media, expressed mild interest in Spies at the Laguna Seca USGP, but said up front he could not afford Spies' salary.

Conveniently, next came press reports that AmHon would pay the multi-million dollar bill for Spies to join Gresini on an RC212V. Those reports that have no basis in truth, it seems.

Senior American Honda execs confirmed last Friday that there are absolutely no plans for American Honda to fund Spies' MotoGP salary if he joins the Gresini Honda team.

Spies is on the cusp of winning his third US Superbike title.