Kevin Windham’s season has not matched up to the lofty standards of his superb 2010 run. Last year’s tour included two Monster Energy AMA Supercross wins and a second-place ranking in the series’ standings, as well as a victory in Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross at Steel City. This year, he came in even better prepared after racing the final six motocross rounds and an off-season supercross in Australia, but the infusion of healthy, ready talent at the sharp end of the pack have made things tougher on the veteran. With five (younger) super talents at their best racing every weekend, finding podium space is tough.

Windham may very well have won the Houston supercross before a crash while leading ended his night. More crashes came in hard and heavy, but over the last few rounds, he’s started to find his old form, leading the so-called second tier of riders behind the “Big Five” out front.

Windham regained his 2010 form in Seattle.
Photo: Garth Milan

But could he get all the way back to his 2010 level? Back to the point where he could contend for wins? His Moment came in Seattle, and it actually happened in practice. James Stewart, as usual, ripped off a fast lap and put his number seven to its customary spot near the top of the qualifying board. But, late in the final practice session, Windham went out for one more flyer and topped Stewart’s time, 52.035 to Stewart’s 52.039.

In four thousandths of a second, Windham had reestablished his old mojo. The rest of the night seemed simple—Windham was going to be a player. He won his heat race, he ran at the front in the main, he finished on the podium for the first time this season. Kevin Windham was back again. Expect to see this again in Salt Lake City.