09 Oct: "For this team to step up and give me a two-year deal is special. We won't have to sweat going through negotiations next year. Now we're looking at a place where I'm going to end my career. I couldn't be with a better group of guys." said Windham.
"It's
already been a wild off season with all the rumors going around of where riders
are going so it's cool to get this deal done now," Windham said. "I'm
really happy to be staying with this team. It's home. These were the guys that
gave me a second chance when I came back from my broken femur in 2002 and it
just feels right to stay here.”
The
32-year-old crowd favourite from Centerville, Miss., is coming off an
impressive 2010 campaign where he finished as runner-up to the Supercross
championship with two wins. Additionally, Windham scored an overall race win in
the Motocross series filling in for injured Honda rider Davi Millsaps.
"It's
funny because there's talk of my age and of my pending retirement but in many
ways I feel like there are parts of my riding where I'm just reaching my
prime," Windham said. "I feel great on the bike and we showed this
year we could win. The entire team had great success, with Trey (Canard)
winning the 250cc championship in Motocross, and everyone else scoring wins. We
put forth a great team effort and that's what it takes.
"I
don't think my riding is in decline in any way. I fully expect us to be
contenders next year. I'm looking forward to the challenges. We're a very tight
family and I feel like this is the best team I've ever been with. They're
always there for the riders, to help us excel and make us better, and that's a
good feeling.
"GEICO
Powersports also has been a key to our success. They are a great company to
ride for and they understand the sport so well."
Windham
will ride the team's lone 450cc entry, which will once again be flanked by four
250cc rides.
Many
knowledgeable race watchers consider K-Dub to be one of the most naturally
talented riders the sport has ever seen. Now a veteran at age 32, the GEICO
Powersports Honda racer’s textbook riding style has blended with all his
experience to carry him to the forefront of title contention.
Despite
battling stiff competition from younger competitors, he continues to defy all
odds in this young man’s sport, running up front race after race—much to the
delight of the stadium crowds.
"As
long as I’m still enjoying myself out on the racetrack and I’m still
competitive up front, I’ll continue to race,” says Windham.
"I
love Motocross racing, but there comes a point in every racer’s career where
you have to pull back and reduce your schedule in order to increase your
longevity and be able to stick around for a few more years.” he explains.
"It’s great to have some of the younger
guys around, especially on the Lites program,” says Windham. "I enjoy helping
them out when I can. Their willingness to learn brings a youthful essence to
the team, which I enjoy. I learn from them, they learn from me, and it works
well.”
Off
the track, Windham remains dedicated to his wife Dottie and his four children.
Being a family man has changed the way he views racing and his life.
"I’m
very lucky to have a supportive family that encourages me to keep on racing.
Knowing they are proud of my achievements both on and off the track, and always
having them here for me after each race, is important. When I am done riding at
the end of the day, they come out and go for a ride with me on the bike and
that makes me proud. I wouldn’t want my life any other way.”