Soup had a brief chat with Ben Spies and Tom Houseworth this morning, the kind of unofficial, catch-up banter that one has before the pressure of a race weekend really kicks in. WSBK Friday mornings are a time when Italian mechanics stand in the pits and finish a whole cigarette, instead of the quick two or three puffs they get on a Saturday, before being barked at to stub it out and get back to work. Fridays are backslapping, hearty laughter, a large coffee, and many slow walks between the race truck and garage. The tide of pressure is at its lowest ebb on World Superbike Friday.

But on this Friday, at this racetrack, it's clear that Spies and House don't have time for grab ass. They need to win, and cannot accept the possibility of any other result. Houseworth put it simply: "We need to set pole and win both races. Any other result will be a failure."

One is reminded of Babe Ruth at home plate, pointing at the faraway place on the stadium wall where his homerun would leave the park, then waiting for his first pitch. Ruth knew he'd accomplish his task; there was no other possible outcome. Does Ben Spies know he'll win this weekend, deep in his bones? Can he imagine no other possible outcome?

That's certainly the impression we got this morning.