2014 GEICO Honda SX Report
The GEICO Honda Supercross team had its best cumulative race of the 2014 season Saturday at a sold-out Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Justin Bogle led the charge, taking third place in 250SX East action, with 450 pro Wil Hahn and 250 veteran Blake Wharton finishing a season-best fourth in their respective races.
“This turned out to be a great day,” Bogle said. “I really like Atlanta. The East Coast is nice. Dallas does not count as an East Coast race, so I was glad to race here with some real dirt.
“I didn’t have the best start in the main, so I had to fight through and make some passes to get up front. Basically, I capitalized on some mistakes other guys were making and made it through the carnage. I raced a pretty smart race.
“It feels so great to finish on the podium when I wasn’t even sure I would race this season. I’m just following the plan with my trainer and so far, so good. I’m happy but not satisfied. I’m hungry for more and ready to move over on the podium towards that middle spot.”
After hurting his hand in Oakland, Hahn struggled for a few weeks before turning in his strongest effort of his short career aboard a big bike. The popular rider, who won last year’s Atlanta race on a 250, rode with a noticeable determination throughout the day.
“My practice, my heat, and the main all went well for me; just a great day all the way around,” Hahn said. “There’s something about the vibes here. I’m not sure if it’s the win here last year, but every time I come here I have a great race. There must be something in the air here. I love this city.
“It was great following (James) Stewart in my heat race. Him and I have a great relationship, so it’s always great to ride with someone like that. It was clean and all you can do is learn from him and hopefully challenge him soon. That’s what he told me to do in some text conversations last year. Just something I gotta do to learn from these guys and get up front with them.
“For now, I just want to keep building on these performances.”
Wharton also looked strong, running the same pace as the front-runners throughout the main. His result lifted his spirits considerably.
Eli Tomac and Matt Bisceglia failed to finish their races. Tomac was hindered by mechanical issues, and Bisceglia crashed twice in the main with the second accident knocking the wind out of him.
The tour now moves to Indianapolis for next Saturday’s race in the home of the Indianapolis Colts.
