Story courtesy of Racer X Online
CORONA, Calif. -- Supercross and Motocross rider Kevin Windham has signed a two-year extension to stay with the GEICO Powersports Honda race team, owned by Factory Connection founder Rick "Ziggy" Zielfelder, Jeff Majkrzak, and Mike Grondahl.
"I
t'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.
"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."
The 32-year-old crowd favorite 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. Majkrzak says having Windham as his team's leader is a perfect scenario for a multitude of reasons.
"K-Dub's an excellent rider, probably the smoothest guy many of us have ever seen on a motorcycle, and he certainly has championship potential every season," Majkrzak said. "The fans love him. He always gets some of the loudest cheers during rider intros.
"What most people probably don't know about Kevin is the positive influence he has on our younger riders. He's the one that shows them not only how to compete and excel at this level, but how to be a good person, respect the other riders, take care of your sponsors, and stay true to yourself. He's an exceptional representative of our team and we plan on having him on our team until he decides to hang up his boots."
Windham will line up at the opening round of the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross on January 8 in Anaheim, Calif.
Until then,
We'll see you at the races.
