[ K. Windham | T. Canard | B. Metcalfe | B. Wharton | J. Barcia | E. Tomac ]

Born: Feb. 28, 1978, Baton Rouge, LA Residence: Centerville, MS National #: 14 Began riding: 1981, age 3 First race: 1981, age 3 Training: Weight training, running, bicycling Hobbies: Flying, family Height/weight: 6’1”/185 pounds Marital status: Married, wife Dottie,daughters Madelyn and Annabelle, son Kevin Jr. Current racebike: Honda CRF450R Mechanic: Brian Calma

Click on any of the photos below for a larger image.

Profile: KEVIN WINDHAM

Many knowledgeable race watchers consider Kevin Windham to be one of the most naturally talented riders the sport has ever seen. Now a veteran at age 32, the GEICO Powersports Honda racer's textbook riding style has blended with all his experience to carry him to the forefront of title contention. Windham remains at the top of his game, finishing second in the 2008 Supercross series and fifth in 2009. Despite battling stiff competition from younger competitors, he continues to defy all odds in this young man's sport, running up front race after race--much to the delight of the stadium crowds.

"As long as I'm still enjoying myself out on the racetrack and I'm still competitive up front, I'll continue to race," says Windham. "I was successful in finishing on a number of Supercross podiums last season and only twice missed finishing in the top 10--I'm happy with those results. I had some ups and downs, but I was able to stay fairly consistent."

In 2010, the Mississippi native again tackles the Supercross Championship aboard his Honda CRF450R, but he will opt out of the outdoor season this year as he did in 2009. Many Windham fans wonder why he has chosen to opt out of Motocross, especially considering the abundant success he's enjoyed outdoors in past years--he was the series runner-up for six years between 1999 and 2006.

"I love Motocross racing, but there comes a point in every racer's career where you have to pull back and reduce your schedule in order to increase your longevity and be able to stick around for a few more years," he explains. "I did race a few outdoor races last year mainly for the enjoyment of racing Motocross, and that was a lot of fun. But my focus will remain on the Supercross series in 2010."

As a veteran leader of the GEICO Powersports Honda team, it is only fitting that his younger, less experienced teammates look up to him and draw from his wealth of racing knowledge.

"It's great to have some of the younger guys around, especially on the Lites program," says Windham. "I enjoy helping them out when I can. Their willingness to learn brings a youthful essence to the team, which I enjoy. I learn from them, they learn from me, and it works well. I'm also looking forward to having Mike LaRocco overseeing things this year. He is definitely going to be a big help to the younger riders."

Off the track, Windham remains dedicated to his wife Dottie and his four children. Being a family man has changed the way he views racing and his life.

"I'm very lucky to have a supportive family that encourages me to keep on racing. Knowing they are proud of my achievements both on and off the track, and always having them here for me after each race, is important. When I am done riding at the end of the day, they come out and go for a ride with me on the bike, and that makes me proud. I wouldn't want my life any other way."

Q: You are a veteran of the sport of Motocross racing. When did you first start racing?

A: I turned pro at the end of 1994, 16 years ago, which is crazy because I'm turning 32. Basically, half my life has been spent racing in the pros. I started racing when I was three years old so Motocross has truly been a life-long adventure for me. It's strange to think that Justin Barcia was born the year I went pro!

Q: How long do you think your racing career can span?

A: As long as I'm still enjoying myself out on the racetrack and I'm competitive up front, I'll continue to race. I was successful in finishing on a number of Supercross podiums last season and only twice missed finishing in the top ten--I'm happy with those results. I had some ups and downs, but I was able to stay fairly consistent. As long as I can keep off the ground and keep finding the podium then I'm going to be around.

Q: How has the sport evolved over the years and how have you evolved with it?

A: In my career things have changed a lot, from the bikes we ride to the track layouts. The sport has grown so much over the years that the demands on the rider are no longer just about riding. Fans and the media play a big part these days. I'm very fortunate I've been able to experience a lot in my time. I'm currently fourth on the list for total race starts following Mike LaRocco, who I once teamed with. It's been great but I'm not done yet. I want to continue doing what I'm doing with GEICO Powersports Honda. The sport is such a huge part of my life that I'm actually fearful of letting it go and losing the person I am and have been for so long.

Q: Because of your longevity in the sport you've become a mentor to many of the younger riders on your team. Explain your relationship with your fellow, much younger, team members.

A: Being a mentor to the much younger GEICO Powersports Honda riders is something I take a lot of pride in. I enjoy their enthusiasm and willingness to learn and I'm happy I can share my knowledge with them. They are also lucky to have Mike LaRocco on the team to learn from. Mike was on the team when I first came onboard and I was able to learn from him at that time. I'm always learning new things about racing but the years of experience Mike and I have can help them tremendously. There's a lot of talent on our team and to be honest, I think they help me. The energy they have to chase their dreams makes me realize it's never too late for me to reach my goals, even at the tail end of my career. Every race is important and I need to go to the line with the motivation to be on the podium. They are all great riders and to be at this level you have to be great. I'm always around to help them and I love watching them ride.

Q: You've decided once again to race only Supercross this year, which may have many fans wondering why, especially considering you were the series runner-up for six years between 1999 and 2006. Why did you come to this decision?

A: I love Motocross racing but there comes a point in every racer's career where you have to pull back and reduce your schedule in order to increase your longevity and be able to stick around for a few more years. I did race a few outdoor races last year mainly for the enjoyment of racing Motocross and that was a lot of fun. But my focus will remain on the Supercross Series in 2010.

Q: Your family plays a very important part in your life both on and off the track. Explain why family is so important to you.

A: I'm very lucky to have a supportive family that encourages me to keep on racing. Knowing they are proud of my achievements both on and off the track, and always having them here for me after each race, is important. When I am done riding at the end of the day, they come out and go for a ride with me on the bike, and that makes me proud. Having a family does have both advantages and disadvantages; it's really how you want to think of it and what stage of your life you're in. People that think of it as a disadvantage aren't ready for kids. All the parents I've met get it and understand. Anyone who's a mom or dad understands the love you have for your children. I don't want to get hurt for them or myself but having them makes me take great pride in my work for no other reason than to show them, to set an example. I cherish the time I get to spend with them but when I've got to go to work, I've got to go to work. I wouldn't want my life any other way.

Statistics

2009
5th AMA/FIM Supercross Series

2008

2nd AMA/FIM Supercross Series

2007

4th AMA Supercross Series
5th AMA Motocross Series

2006

2nd AMA Motocross Series
14th AMA Supercross Series (shortened season due to injury)

2005

2nd AMA 250 National Motocross Series
3rd AMA 250 Supercross Series

2004

2nd AMA 250 Supercross Series
3rd AMA 250 National Motocross Series

2003

2nd AMA 250 National Motocross Series

2002

Missed most of season due to injury

2001

2nd AMA 250 National Motocross Series
4th AMA 250 Supercross Series

2000

3rd AMA 250 National Motocross Series
4th AMA 250 Supercross Series

1999

2nd AMA 250 National Motocross Series
7th AMA 250 Supercross Series

1998

4th AMA 250 Supercross Series
8th AMA 250 National Motocross Series

1997

1st AMA 125 West Supercross Series
2nd AMA 125 National Motocross Series
18th AMA 250 Supercross Series

1996

1st AMA 125 West Supercross Series
2nd AMA 125 National Motocross Series
19th AMA 250 Supercross Series

1995

5th AMA 125 East Supercross Series
16th AMA 250 National Motocross Series

1994

AMA Motocross Rookie of the Year