GEICO Honda Pre-Race Report
MINNEAPOLIS - There are just two races left before the 250SX East championship is decided and points leader Wil Hahn of the vaunted GEICO Honda race team is more motivated than ever to finish the job.
"It sounds good to say you're not thinking about the championship, like you're all focused on the next thing or whatever, but you'd have to be crazy not to think about it," Hahn said. "We only have two races. It's right here in front of us.
"I'm actually okay with it. I'm not intimidated by the situation. It really just gets me more excited. I can't wait to get to Minneapolis and get after it. I'm having the time of my life."
A sixth-year pro, Hahn has led the points after five of the first seven races this season, mainly due to his incredible consistency each weekend. He is the only rider in the class to have finished on the podium every race, with two victories, three runner-up results and two third-place endings to his credit.
"It's been such an awesome season, regardless of what happens from here on in," Hahn said. "The bikes been perfect and the team has been so supportive. We have the best sponsors in the sport. I'm the luckiest guy in the world.
"There's still work to do. I know my strongest races have come when I've had good starts so I'm going to continue working on that. I can't let my guard down until it's over because Marvin (Musquin) is right there. It would be great to get another win this weekend in Minnesota so we can relax a little bit before Vegas."
The championship chase has basically come down to Hahn and Musquin, a three-time winner this season who currently trails Hahn by eight points. Unlike contentious title tilts in the past, Hahn and Musquin are friends, making the fight a lot of fun for both men.
"He's a really likable guy," Hahn said. "He's very respectful and just the kind of person you like hanging around. We race each other hard but we always race clean. We have a lot of respect for each other and that carries over to the track. He's definitely kept me on my toes. You always know he's right there."
Hahn will be joined in Minneapolis by legend Kevin Windham, who retired earlier this season. Windham is on a farewell tour of sorts, taking part in driver introductions as he says his final goodbyes to Supercross fans around the country. Windham had three career wins in Minneapolis and a total of five podium finishes.
