Motocross: Windham Rejoins Geico Team

AMA Motocross News

Following an impressive runner-up finish in this year’s Supercross championship, superstar MX motorcycle rider Kevin Windham has been enjoying a relaxing summer at home with his wife Dottie and their four kids.

That all changed a few weeks ago when Team Honda asked the 32-year-old legend to fill in for injured 450cc rider Davi Millsaps for the final six races of the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship.

Windham’s much anticipated return to action begins in earnest this Saturday at the Spring Creek National in southern Minnesota when he rejoins GEICO Powersports Honda teammates Brett Metcalfe, Trey Canard, Justin Barcia, Blake Wharton, and Eli Tomac at the nationally televised (SPEED TV) event.

Kevin Windham says: "It should be interesting. It’s one of those deals where if we do well, it’ll be very cool. We’ll have to see how it works out."

Although his off-season riding regimen has been limited to the track on his Centerville, Miss., property, Windham has remained in top physical shape as he trains for a late summer marathon.

Kevin Windham says: "I’ve been running a lot but it’s not like riding a motorcycle. I’ll probably be behind the curve a bit compared to the guys that have run the whole outdoor season. I’ve put in a lot of time on my motorcycle in the last three weeks but it’s obviously been awhile since I’ve raced anyone at this level of talent."

"I’m honored the Honda/Red Bull team called me and it’s very cool that I’ll be carrying my GEICO Powersports colors as well. Hopefully I can do everyone proud."

Windham rode two outdoor races last season on 250cc Honda motorcycles. His last full motocross campaign came in 2007.

His return should give a boost to Metcalfe, who is a lofty third in the 450cc rankings, just three points behind second-place Chad Reed. Metcalfe has been riding well in the first six races with a pair of holeshots and multiple laps led to his credit. Having an ally on the course can only help his efforts.

Leading the 250cc charge for the GEICO Powersports Honda team, Canard is coming off a big win in Buchanan, Mich., that vaulted him to fourth place in the 2010 rankings. Another big outing in Minnesota could lift the intense rider as high as second place overall.

Barcia, Tomac, and Wharton enter the weekend in sixth, seventh, and eighth place, respectively. After a slow start to the motocross season, Barcia has been shooting up the standings recently and has one moto win on his scorecard. Rookie Tomac is finding his professional stride and his 35 laps led is second only to points leader Christophe Pourcel. Wharton has shown extended periods of strong riding but has yet to put a perfect race together, yet he’s always considered a top threat.

Motos in 450cc begin at 1 and 4 p.m., while the 250cc riders will begin their two motos at 2 and 5 p.m.

SPEED TV will broadcast the 250cc race at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 18, and the 450cc race at 5 p.m.

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