GEICO Honda: Houston Pre-Race Report
HOUSTON - As happy as GEICO Honda rider Wil Hahn was to see the Easter break come last weekend, he is doubly excited to get back to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East championship fight this Saturday at Reliant Stadium.
With two victories and six podium finishes in six starts this season, Hahn is the East Coast leader by six points over Marvin Musquin with three races left on the schedule. The championship chase has been an exhilarating ride for Hahn, but the chance to catch his breath last week was welcomed.
"It was huge for me to clear my head," Hahn said. "We even got a jump start on outdoor testing last week. It was a good chance for me to get back to refocus on what I need to do to win again and to rest a little so I can come back recharged for the final stretch run.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to starting races the way I did earlier in the year. The wins will come from good starts. I've been fast enough to win all year long, but my starts just haven't been there the last couple of races."
The break in the schedule has also given Hahn the opportunity to realize what a dream this season has been for him, and what great accomplishments are still within his grasp.
"It's been an amazing run so far," Hahn said. "I've had the kind you year I dreamed about having when I was growing up and talking with my older brother Tommy or with my friends who also rode.
"I know the year is far from over and there's a lot that still needs to be done. I want to get more wins and take it all the way to the end and finish off this championship for GEICO Honda."
Hahn returns to his home state of Texas for the second time this season (the East schedule opened in Dallas), and Hahn said he's relishing the opportunity to race in front of a large contingent of friends and family again.
"It's not exactly next door to our place in Decatur but it's close enough for everybody to get down there," Hahn said. "I raced in Houston a lot when I was an amateur, so it is somewhat of a homecoming for sure. I'm definitely comfortable there."
Hahn's GEICO Honda teammate Zach Bell injured his shoulder last time out and will be held out for the remainder of the Supercross season as a precaution.
Practice for Saturday's Monster Energy AMA Supercross stop gets under way at 12:30 p.m. CDT at Reliant Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. SPEED TV will broadcast the event live starting at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
