After nine professional seasons, Wil Hahn has announced he will retire from professional racing. Hahn made the announcement on his Instagram page following last weekend’s AUS-X Open in Australia.
Hahn, 26, spent time with Star Racing, MDK KTM and Troy Lee Designs before moving to GEICO Honda in 2011. Unfortunately, he broke his back at Anaheim 1 in 2011 and continued to suffer through aches and pains before the 2013 season, when he launched a strong campaign to win the the 250SX East Region championship. He moved to the 450 Class with the GEICO Honda team the following year, and spent the last two years with Monster Energy Kawasaki. Unfortunately, Hahn’s 450 career has been marred by injuries, with Hahn making just 25 starts since 2014.
Hahn has always been known as one of the most likeable and friendly riders in the pits, and his frequent comebacks from big injuries helped prove his determination. In his post, he cited his recent injuries as a factor in his decision to retire.
“I don't know where to begin, as this is hard for me to say. However, the Aus-X Open will be my last race as a full-time professional racer. I know that 26 is a young age to retire from racing, but it is time for me to move on and pursue another career. I am still just as in love with the sport as I was when I was four-years-old, but sadly, my body has taken a beating through the years. The injuries have taken their toll...when I have a family, I want to be able to throw a ball around with my kid! My career may not have been the most successful or the longest, but I sure did make a lot of friends and fans that I will always value. I grew up in a small town with a population under 100, and I'm so fortunate to have experienced the things and seen the places...racing has made it all possible for me. I am so thankful to have lived out my dreams, thanks to motocross racing. The next chapter in my life is exciting and it will be a new challenge for me. It would be impossible to personally thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career and help me put my name in the record books, but I am eternally grateful. My family sacrificed everything to help me chase my dream, and I would be nowhere without them. Thank you to everyone back in Kansas who always believed in me. "
Hahn already has a plan in place after his racing career. He’ll return to GEICO Honda to help the team with testing and work with the team's amateur riders.
“I'm proud to announce that after tonight's Aus-X final, I will assume a role with the Factory Connection Honda team to help with race team testing, and will also work closely with its amateur race team. The future is bright, and I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store! I hope to see you all at the races!”
