450 Words: Waiting on Windham
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PrintBefore a heat race has even run on Saturday night in Anaheim, Kevin Windham will already be declared a winner. The fans will go crazy when the number 14 GEICO Honda rolls out for opening ceremonies, jumps across two lanes of the track, whips it over the finish line in the dark, and pulls a stoppie all the way down the start stretch. No one works an intro like Windham, and no one has more fan support.
Windham has universal appeal. Most claim the “Big 4” of Ryan Dungey, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto and Chad Reed as favorites for the championship, but they’re favorites in the results column alone. Windham is clearly the fan favorite, which is a position most riders would envy. But it’s a position Windham wouldn’t mind trading. He loves the fans, sure, but he’s quick to point out that he’s not riding just for cheers. His first goal, this year, is to win that ever-elusive Monster Energy Supercross Championship.
“It’s a huge part of me to have the cheers, and I love it, but without the ability to be successful and at least have a chance at a win, I’ve got to hang the boots up,” says Windham. “When you’re standing around guys who have been there before, [Team Managers like] LaRocco or DeCoster or Kehoe, you hear stories, and people relive them like they happened yesterday. I’m not going to do this just so I can keep hearing the same stories. I want to keep making new memories.”
The cheers are great, but K-Dub is still racing to win a title, first and foremost.
Simon Cudby photos
After winning two supercross races and finishing second in series’ points last year, Windham has a shot at this year’s crown. But of course, the age factor pops up. Windham will be 33 at the end of February. How long can he stay competitive?
“I feel like things are a little more difficult now,” he says. “There are so many guys that can win, and there’s so much hype. To be honest, at 33, maybe I can’t do some of the things I used to in certain ways. But there’s also a way of your body going through physical changes—and I think I reap the benefit of what’s going on there. I’m in a good place and I really think I have some good races in front of me.”
Once again, Windham will hope that age and experience really overcome youth. “You learn what you have to respect physically, as far as learning to get through 17 races healthy. I’ve learned how to make training count—do less, but do it more productively. I’ve learned through trial and error, and I’ve learned because I have to do it that way at my age. At the same time I still feel like I have plenty left in me.”
Windham’s biggest records in the sport are dubious honors. He’s finished second in major series’ points more than any other rider in history, and he’s won more races than anyone who hasn’t grabbed an AMA Supercross or AMA Motocross title. This year, again, his goal is to erase that second stat. The fans will be cheering him regardless.
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K-Dub is the man. go get them kdub
Windham should go on the stat sheets as one of the few original family-man racers. He also wears his neckbrace with pride starting that 'movement' too. And don't forget he gets props for freeriding in Terrafirma2. The old dude earns his cheers...few riders make it look easy and have fun with it too!
It will be a sad day when he retires!!!
he is totally ready and abosolutely deserve it.
Kevin has more earnest skill than the rest of the field. He has remained near the top throughout his career, and has been taking notes the whole time. Regaurdless what everyone says, we're at our physical+mental prime from 30-40 yrs of age. Lookout KW could school the best. We're pullin for you #14!!!
Kevin, I have watch you race now for many years, you have always been the one I loved to pull for. You will get it done this year, because you have it all coming together. After a super end to the outdoors where you showed the boys how to ride. This could just be your year, it all comes down to heart & that sir is something you have. I live just down the street from your older Sister, & for years I never even new it. My wife is your neice's Girl Scout troop leader & she is over here playing with my girl Madeline who is 8. Well hope to see you win it all this year & if not you will always be one of the ones talked about when they talk about the best, that's all we could hope for. Well good by from Fredericksburg, Va. God Bless, Keith [email protected] / E-mail DEEPSOUTHARTIFACTS.COM / Web site.
I Like ya a lot K-Dub but u aint going to win the title... He!! I don't think u will win a race this year unless a LOT of guys get hurt.
hey i raced against you at watson,you smoked us then and you can smoke them now. always our favorite GET IT DONE !!!
BillC your an idiot. go kdub
23mx stick it!! Why am I an Idiot?? Because your in love with K-Dub and I just don't think he can win it?? How about this, BET ME? I will bet you $1000 he does not win it. If you wont take the bet you are a BLOWHARD.
BillC, seems like K-Dub has some spark lately. I'm not so sure I would be predicting all that. I bet he has a different plan than yours. We'll see soon. Can't wait till A1!
Kevin is a notoriously slow starter and had he gotten on the ball a bit faster the year he lost it to Reed, he'd probably have that title. That said, I'd like nothing better than to see him pull one out of the bag and shock everyone this year. But he'll need to start stronger and knock down a win or two in earlier rounds.
ride4ever thats true...BUT.... This is the deepest field I can ever remember and K-Dub has only won a few races in the last 5 years and its always either in the mud or when the title is over.Anything can happen but I find it hard to believe anyone would pick him to win it.... Based on what?
a true real rider, SX need more like him, less glash and good work...
BillC, I see your point, there are alot faster guys on the track. But I think the problem some guys are having with your post is that the only reason you wrote is to tell K-Dub, "you wont win a single race, much less a title" Why take the time for that? Cut a huge fan favorite like that is just cold. Would you say that to him if you had the chance to meet him?? NO!! So why say it at all??
Who will be the official "old dude" once K-Dub retires? Seems like the rest of the field is pretty young.
Might not ever win the championship , but hes one of the only people to EVER beat RC straight up and his riding style and is the best ever PERIOD. Has won alot of races , the fans love him and an all around decent guy!!! Not a bad legacy!!!!
BillC, your a Jerk !!!
More 2nds than Larry Ward?
Thanks hammerhead. BD200 Every thread on here people right what they think, Thats all I did, Sorry if I did not surger coat it. Also I would not walk up to K-Dub and say YOU WONT WIN........ ( because I have respect) but if I was talking to him I would not blow smoke up his azz if he asked me what I though either. I know You feel the same way about him not winning it right?
Kevin Windham is a class act unlike someone posting something you wouldn't say to a mans face. Lets run the races for entertainment sake throw in a heap of talent and a mudder or two and let it unfold without criticizing the athletes who are hanging it out.
BillC, one of your earlier comments you asked, "based on what?" To that I would answer: Based on the mans character, and I'm seeing a fire rising up from the legend. I believe he has the desire to finish strong. And besides that, just a gut feeling I have. I'm not saying he is definately going to win it all, but, I think he's gonna give it his best. You have to admit that would really be amazing to watch him pull it off. Especially with the depth of the field we have this year. And besides Kdub is really fast, all the pros out there will tell you that. It's happened more than once when an athelete later in his career rose to the top. Two examples that pop in mind are Nolan Ryan and Brett Favre and I know there are alot more... Sorry I got a little long winded. GO Kdub!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree somewhat with you ride4ever, But over the last 5 years K-Dub has NOT had the speed to run at the front. Last year RD and RV smoked him. I don't see how a guy at this point is going to pick up the pase that much when even he will tell ya he can't hang it out. He!! peole have signed JS's death note already and he is what 25 and has proved he can win a title where as K-Dub at 33 has never done it so I say there is no way it will happen now. Now Having said that I would love to see it but sorry it just aint happening.
mrwhirlwind I already said I would say it to his face, Why do you get so bent over somone's opion on how someone will do?? There is NO disrespect ment I just don't see him winning... Why is that so bad??
I will win for you Billy C
I believe that KDub actually won the champiuonship three years ago when he got robbed, Chad Reed got points for 4th I believe at the rainy Daytona SX when he didn't even finish the race, yes its true he had lapped most riders, however when his bike died on the track and he left it there he should have gotten no pints, therefore KDub should have gotten the championship....
I agree Windham should have been the 2008 SX champ. Not to wish bad luck on the so called big 4, but I hope they get so caught up in each other that Windham will race to the 2011 title.
You can buy temporary friends. You can deserve magazine covers and publicity. But you have to EARN respect and a unparalleled fan base, especially the young fans. Nothing further your honor. Let the first few rounds (which will mimic the French Revolution I'm afraid) erupt and then walk to the podium Dub. Like the old bull young bull story :D
"waiting on Windham" You know he doesn't like when covers that say that, you know he doesn't like to think anyone is waiting on him. Positive article yet a burn on windham. We aren't waiting, he isn't waiting, no ones waiting. He's done a hell of a lot, why do we have to read the same title for 10 years in a row. Are you not shit unless you pull of the championship? We appreciate sports guys who have great careers without a championship (malone, stockton, Nash) and we don't say we are waiting for that 2x mvp to show up. (Nash)
You can ride like a madman Stewart and risk it all OR you can ride within your means and persevere like Windham:..yes they BOTH deserve respect- championships or not.
I think Honda should have put him on the factory team, he would have been worth every penny. Smooth as silk. Fast, nonarrogant and most of all reliable. Hardley anybody else made it thru the year. Never count this guy out. BillC would'nt make it thru the first turn without being crushed to death so his word dont mean anything. Plus wheres he from? Some frozen tundra somewhere. Isnt there some bobsleding he could go do instead of talking about the ability of a pro rider.
no doubt,there is the man
I'm predicting season ending third. He'll get one win in the rain and finish the rest in top five never crashing. Stewart will win the majority with a couple dnf's, Reed will take home the most seconds. Villopoto will crash into one of Stewarts wrecks and get mud up his pipe and Dungey will get in a car accident because he's had way too much luck lately and he's due.
BillC your a douche, its not the fact that you dont think Windham is going to win the title but it was how you said it. Anytime a rider is as smooth and consistent as k dub you can never count them out of a title. I wouldnt take your 1000 dollar bet you mentioned because it would be a bad bet even for Dungey or Stewart or anyone else because theres too many things that can happen in Supercross. However, if you want to bet that he doesnt get top 4 in the Supercross Series ill bet you a grand straight up.
It is going to be Windham in front of the pack.Stewart is out of the pitcher.It is not going to be Dungey is not going to win all the time.Reed going to be in the top 5.
WOW, Bill C you got Kevin to write in on his own article thats impressive. It is however quite obvious that you have no racing experience at all or there is no way you would make such a careless bet. I have a dear friend that made the same bet a few years back at Unadilla lets just say he hasn't been able to live that one down. I think that the longevity of Kevins career and his fluency on the track speaks for itself. I would never count him out winning a race or a title it's a long season with many variables. Good luck Kevin
BillC wouldn't honor a bet anyway he would weasel out of it. He types before he thinks and contradicts himself regularly. Just remember the saying "don't argue with idiots.... they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience". Bottom line is he says he didn't mean to be disrespectful he was just perceived that way..... by all of us. I prefer to not be negative. All the best for a safe and successful 2011 Kevin Windham, you are poetry to watch on a dirt bike.
you go KW! I believe your concistancy will pay off this year!
Take any bike on any track and watch pure grace in motion and endless talent when K dub 14 throws a leg over...probably the most natural rider on any track...I will be yelling from the crows nest ...I dont know a single successful athlete who spent their time listening to the haters of the world
kevins been one of my favorites since he was on an 80 came from a great family,has a great family,always well mannered,always stopped to say hello. always so smooth flows with the bike like david baily did. best of luck for a great season
One of the nicest racers you will ever meet,one of the greatest racers you willl ever watch shread a track. I'm a few years(5) older than K-dub and still trying to run with guy's half my age, with some sucess, so all of us old dudes are pulling for him and wishing him well. Oh don' forget be careful we can't heal as quick as we used to. Good luck!
kdub is a family rider who is old and still doin what he loves and is livin a dream,BILLC..your wayy off...you tard.hes not gonna win a title,but goddangit hes got more pride than your RV..look at the history hes made man..hes a OG..come on he helped invent this sport...hes a fan favorite and who says its wrong to support the man whos got more guts than half the kids out there..why would he quit when hes still placin top ten every race and givin a few young guys a run for their money..go kdub..enough said sir billlc!
I have to admit.last year during the pala national I watched K dub in the middle of a turn give a head knod to a fan who was cheering him everytime he went by. I have to say somthing about that moment,in all the chaos a rider taking the time to appreciate a fan reached out and grabbed me.. K dub i am a fan for life!