Racer X Outstanding Performance: Kevin Windham
Sunday, March 25, 2012 | 9:40 PM
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“As late as Wednesday or Thursday I was thinking there was no way I could ride a motorcycle,” said Kevin Windham. "I could barely walk!"
Instead, he rode it well and then walked right on up to the podium [his second of the year after Daytona. Ignore the earlier edition of this story where we said Toronto was his first podium. We're dumb sometimes].
Windham was feeling the effects of a big crash during last week’s Indianapolis main event, one that knocked him out of that race. Then came a hard week of therapy to try to soothe his aching back—and hey, let us not forget that at age 34, Windham’s back probably isn’t going to loosen up in the same manner that an 18-year-old would.
The therapy worked and Windham made the trip to Toronto—albeit like many, that trip was delayed through a series of flight cancellations. But K-Dub, despite the injury, still knew opportunity was knocking. The GEICO Honda veteran has been riding better and better over the last few weeks, and the chance to get on the box loomed.
In the main, he earned that podium by running down the recently-surging Davi Millsaps, and then caught Jake Weimer when Weimer got hung by some lapped traffic. Windham took advantage, made the move, and the podium was his.
Just about as popular in Toronto as he is in New Orleans!
Lissimore photo
An added bonus? The typical fan appreciation for Windham traveled north of the border. When he came out in opening ceremonies, when he made passes, and when he went to the podium, the Canadian fans went nuts. “I want to put it into words, but I can’t,” he said. “That is huge to me. Those guys, the crowd, they make it for me. I really appreciate it and I really want everyone to know that.”
We at Racer X appreciate his effort, and that’s why Windham takes this week’s Racer X Outstanding Performance Award. Congrats, Kevin!
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A true legend of the sport. I can't believe he's still going like he is, simply amazing!
Thanks KW.
"and the chance to get on the box first the first time in 2012 loomed." Didn't Kevin just get third at Daytona?!?
I for one appreciate K-DUB, Go Kevin, keep up the great ride!
and what did you say to or ask RV after his heat race?
Go K-Dub!
Being great goes well beyond titles and race wins and not to take anything away from RC, but Kevin is the rider's GOAT.
This is the second article today calling Toronto K-Dub's 1st podium of the year. Hello?! Daytona was only a couple of weeks ago, guys! And he probably would have been there last week, too, if not for Alessi’s nifty take-out move. I’m glad Kevin was able to ride; putting it on the box again was awesome.
I was thinking the same thing about a podium this year. Plus the subtitle says; "Back problems? Back on the box!" Which would of course imply that he has been there before. (This year)
Weege, you're kidding, right? Everyone saw KW's podium at Daytona. Get it together.
Kevin had a lot of heart going into this race. Being in pain, yet riding so aggressive, good job Kevin.
Are you kidding weege? Podium at Daytona for K dub!!! Get off the drugs
Cut Weege some slack, these guys pump out articles faster than heroin dealers can sell to dopeheads. If you want articles written by humans, prepare yourselves for errors. If you want articles written by robots, prepare yourselves for boredom (plus there will still be errors,because they're made by humans).
I just want to see K-dub win one of these things already, where are the old man jokes at!?
This is the third time it's been stated by two different editors (Matthes and Weege) that this is the first podium for K-Dub this year. SX Spoiler, Race Report, and now this. These guys are all on crack.
as a long time K-W fan i'd like to thank him for giving us north of the border .the opportunity to see him ride again
PJ
Maybe Weege meant first podium not inside a Nascar oval. He is the best writer/ video interviewer in the sport so I give Weege a break on this one
Hey all the mistake iis no big deal, I thought freat for KW 2 podiums this year and never thought about giving the problems about the mistake. Yes the guys at Racer X try hard to keep us going with our addiction as well as the one thay have. Keep up the good work and we will keep reading.
Oh yeah way to go Windham!! you desrve it! Just keep pushing and try to stay upright. Cant say keep the rubber side down with those wips you do?????
Now I have an urelated question??? I have not raced since the inception of the so called HoleShot device on the front forks? How deos that work and how much deos it really help? I ask because I was once known as a holesot artist. My secret was really kinda simple, I was just to scared of not getting one and being in the pack in the first turn. It was also mental by in my mind I pictured myself doing it and followed through.
K-Dub rules!
Everyone knows this sport has the potential to create larger than life egos. And how could it not, with all the hype associated in and around the sport. The credit due to Ken Windham, I find so constant in the years of his entire career is, he has never allowed his head to (not) make it out of the doorway with the rest of his body simultaneously. That is what keeps KW14 at the top of everyone's Hanukkah/Christmas Card list. If his physical being would allow, the "sport" of Motocross/Supercross would allow him to ride into his own private sunset in the sky for eternity and back.
Personally, I don't think it's too late for KW14 to enter the 2012 Presidential Candidacy on, "The Racer-X" ticket. I can hear the chanting, even now...
Eeveryone keep in mind that KW14 has increased his pace since the early rounds...and now he's coming "home" to the South. The dirt at Houston suits him...and RV2 could clich at Houston. After that comes Easter...and then New Orleans! That gives Peak Performance in Baton Rouge three weeks to get KW14 ready for the Mercedes Benz Superdome, and that with RV2 not wanting to risk an injury going into the ourdoor nationals. Look for KW14 at the top of the podium in New Orleans....it's his time, and at the site of a venue in which he has won previously. Go KW14!
I don't know if K-Dub reads these comments or not but I would just like to say "You sir are a CLASS ACT" . I was at the race in Toronto and I waited around outside by the tunnel and I saw K-Dub come walking out and my 25 year old son and my wife ran up to him and he took the time to take pictures with them and sign my ticket stub for me in the cold and rain. Then he signed autographs for everyone else who wanted one and talked to the kids that were there. I must say that I was very impressed because not too many other top riders take the time to do that especially in those conditions. Well done Sir. I have always been a big fan of yours and I always will. Please don't retire anytime soon, you still can run the pace as your 3rd place finish will confirm. Good luck in Houston.