Hero: Kevin Windham
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 | 5:10 PM
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PrintThe news spread fast despite the best efforts of some people to keep it quiet. The idea was to keep it quiet until opening ceremonies, so Kevin could address the fans directly. But big, big things, like GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham retiring, just can’t be kept to a murmur. This was a bombshell and at first, seemed like a joke or some bad info. Wait a minute, he rode first practice and NOW he’s retiring? Just like that?
Yep, just like that. Or was it? Last year at the Houston Supercross Windham went down hard in a heat race and suffered multiple injuries that kept him out for the rest of the series. It was a terrifying crash for the veteran (as well as for his fans) and one that surely got him thinking about life post-racing. A crash and concussion at the Monster Energy Cup didn’t help. Coming into 2013, Windham wasn’t a contender for the title but did anyone not think that if everything aligned and the #14 was feeling it-that he couldn’t bring home the win? I certainly don’t know anyone that was ready to write the old guy off—after all, before that Houston crash, he had just ripped off some of the fastest practice times of the day, and was battling James Stewart for the heat race win by night. As everyone knows, when K-Dub is on….
K-Dub announced his retirement from professional racing on Saturday in Anaheim.
Simon Cudby photo
At the opening round, Windham rode to an uneventful 10th. It was a more than respectable finish in a stacked field. I ambled over after the race to get his take on the main event. It was there that I was surprised by his morose attitude.
“My goal was to ride steady for 20 laps. And it's hard to be competitive when all you're trying to do is not crash and bust your ass” Windham said afterwards. “I mean, the last time I really raced was March of 2012. Everyone knows my Achilles heel is over thinking things. And that's what I've been doing, over thinking things. I've been having thoughts about, 'I need to make it to 2014, I need to stop crashing.' And that's all I was focused on tonight, and in a field like this, I don't think you can do any better than a tenth riding like that.
"So I talked to my team and I said, 'I'm having real thoughts of hanging it up.' And they said, “Hey, you're making good points.” And I thought of it that way, and realized I am building some momentum here. Seems kind of weird after 19 years that I'd have to build momentum, but, I almost feel like the age almost intensifies that. I know why I'm here, and I know why I'm not here, and that's not crashing! So it was good to get through it”
Clearly, Windham didn’t care about his result for the night. He was just relieved that he made it through the main event, definitely not something I expected to hear from a guy that’s won more than his fair share of races. He closed with this:
“Some of the guys, they're all full of piss and vinegar, and they're like, “Man I want to win, I'm awake, what can I eat, what can I do better, how can I train harder?" I'm the complete opposite of that. I've got four kids, I've got gym businesses I'm working on, I don't want to get hurt ... it makes it hard to come to a clear decision.”
Clearly a storm was brewing inside Windham. Last week, he was eleventh in Phoenix. Earlier in the day, I saw him during the track walk, and I joked about how I thought he was going to announce his retirement right there with me after the race. I was joking, he was definitely not.
Something happened the week after Phoenix and coming into the race this past Saturday, Windham was barely hanging onto his career as a professional motocross rider. And when that first 450 seeded untimed practice ended somewhere around 1PM PST, Windham decided enough was enough.
But why? Did something happen out there on the track during Anaheim 2 practice?
Windham raced professionally for 19 seasons.
Simon Cudby photo
“Yeah, something happened, I was looking at a basic rhythm section where guys were jumping three and I didn't feel like doing it” said Windham in a matter of fact kind of way on last nights Pulpmx Show. “I wish it (the retirement) had been closer to home or I’d have my friends be able to come. I had already figured out I wasn't going thru 2014 like my original plan. I came into the season with the past injuries and I figured I’d limp into it and get going but it just never happened.”
And with that, a career spanning almost two decades as a professional racer was over.
“I came in from that practice, stripped my clothes off and everyone came to me asking what was up because I never usually change out of my gear in-between practices. They wanted to know what was up and I just said, “I’m done”.
Every racer will come to a point where their career ends. Most often, it happens when their services as a racer are not wanted by any teams because age has hampered their abilities. Sadly, for some, it ends with a career-ending injury (Windham says that, if that had happened, it would have made him so mad at himself he wasn’t sure he could forgive himself for going out there for one more race). Only the lucky ones get to hang it up while they’re still fast, they’re (relatively) healthy and on their own terms. Kevin Windham is one of those guys.
Leading into this weekend’s race, K-Dub consulted with a ton of others to determine what his next move should be.
“The guys I talked to about it, from (Jeff) Stanton to (Erik) Kehoe to (Buddy) Antunez to Ricky Carmichael, by the end of asking all the people that had this experience, it was the same story over and over,” he said. “Looking at it when it (racing) goes right, I can do it forever but then there’s the part where Trey (Canard) got hurt and you’re ready to hang it up. It’s given me incredible feelings and done so much for me but then you start thinking of the what ifs and that’s a recipe for disaster. I think I knew it was time but I was expecting it to feel good when it was that time And it didn’t [feel good]. But it was necessary.
Practice at Anaheim 2 marked the last time we got to see K-Dub race professionally.
Simon Cudby photo
“I was talking to Ryan Villopoto about this whole deal and he just asked me, “How greedy are you?” and when he said that, it just all clicked. Was it enough race wins? Enough cheers? Enough races? And a light just went off in my head. I wasn’t at the point where I wanted to go fast enough to go for the win. So then what? Pray for a mud race? I don’t want to be that guy. What’s another tenth place or twenty more rounds raced? When he used the word greed, it just registered with me."
From that point on, the writing was on the wall. But what a wall he’s created. Thanks for the memories, K-Dub.
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Great article--RV said it well, how much is enough??? the big question is, will K-Dub show up at the races just to say farewell?? Or is he gone for good?? Indy is having a pit party for the first time.. I would love to see him show up to sign autographs.. My son already has his, but would love to see him one more time.. THANKS K-Dub, it was a pleasure watching you ride.. You beat the best (RC) and had excellent style, and great character--You will be missed..
Poor mechanic He'lll have to go back to tunin BD25 or what ever your handle is LOL ! Maybe head on back to arean cross or local state fair !
Great article Steve!! Sorry to see KDub call it, but he made the right decision and went out on his own terms. Thanks for all the memories!!!
God kept you for a reason !! @BTNFLY
It really is a good way to retire. Glad he will still be at the rest. I'm bringing the homebrew to Atlanta Kevin, are you up for it? If RC races LL's for the fun of it again, you should too and take his fun away! You rock dude!!
The fact that he is uneasy with the new tracks should say how difficult they really are.
Strange to say, but I'm actually glad KW is retiring. I would hate so see him suffer any serious injury at this stage of his career.
Won't be the last we see of him, just a great spokesperson for the sport.
I moved this over from Observations, thought it went better here...Thanks Kevin, its has been an honor to have witnessed your long and storied career!!
Kevin's decision was a shock to me, but if his head is not in it any more, than neither should he be. He has given us so much enjoyment over the years watching him ride, it would be a shame to see some misfortune befall him because he was not focused. I have always had tremendous respect for the small town southern boy. KW was really, the first prodigy to come out of Loretta's and take the pro world by the short hairs. His talent and natural ability was raved about by every one who ever saw him ride!
The enigma that is K-Dub, never won all the titles he was suppose to, but when his head was in it, Windham could not be beat, ask any of the stars of moto in the last 19 years, as Kevin has laid waste to them all!! Other times, Kevin seemed uninspired and he would race that way, get a good finish, but you could see he was not at his best. Regardless, he was always open and honest with his fans, never did he put himself on a pedestal, Kevin remained humble and grateful to be in the position he was in.
In 97, after a 3rd overall at the Spring Creek round, I had the chance to have a beer with the then 19 year old, his smile said it all, he was happy to be where he was at. Now that he has retired, I hope to be fortunate enough to get the chance to have another beer with him, I am sure that smile will still be there and he is happy where he is at...
Red Headed Buddha sums it up in four words
Hey AMA, how about you guys retire the #14 for a few years eh? It's the least you could do after you pretended to not know you were killing two strokes by letting 450 4 strokes to compete. I bet kdub would still have it in him if he was on a 2 stroke.
KW is in a class act of only a few. I really hope RV stays greedy for a while!
"Greed" - That's epic.
Great for you, what about the team ?
...and who says RV2 doesn't play a mental game, dude just check mated our good man KW.
K dub is the man! Congrats on a great career and being great ambassador for our sport. Respect your decision. I wish you all the best with your life after racing!
Pastrana once said "riding with Windham is like riding with GOD".
Windham, I will miss you brother.
Gained more respect for rv right there. No head games. Villo has said it himself this sport isn't everything. Windham has made a hell of a living through a hell of a lot of work. Time to go. Rode like a boss. Retired like a boss. Great way to go. No bs press conference crying like a girl.
Only once in my life have I ever asked someone for their autograph....
It was KW and when he handed it over I felt like I was receiving it from a friend.
I hope he finds an excuse to show up in the announcers booth once in a while.
Thank you very much for 19 yrs of pure silky smooth racing . TY, I think you will be remembered as someone who rode as smooth if not smoother than David Bailey, or Roger DeCoster. TY KW and family for the great memorys.
Good on you KW. You did the right thing for the right reasons. I assume your a hand shake kind of guy that had to think about this for a long time. Have fun with the rest of your life. You will be missed.
Well Done! You have lead so many of us fans and your fellow racers. Last year when you came to Honda Headquarters to greet fans was a prime example. it was such a pleasure to see how you brought together the likes of Chad Reed and Justin Barcia! You just put everyone at ease and take the sport to a higer level! Enjoy your next challenges!
http://twitter.com/kdub_14/status/293527331711098881/photo/1
I realize this story is about KDub and it sucks that hes retiring but it sure does sound like RV will have no problem hanging it up when he feels its time and it will probably be at the peak of his career just like Carmichael. He'll just whoop everyones ass for a while then get fat and go hunting.
RV has been the guy with an injury that put question marks on his future, he pulled through what easily couldv'e ruined most guys. Unique perspective...i'm referring to 2010, not the ACL.
K-Dub has nothing left to prove. He'll forever live on as one of the greatest in our sport. Live well man.
RV doesnt get it. KW does and he still has it and is going to keep it. RV made a snide comment. it sounds like something that would come from 100. RV lost a fan today. best of luck KW,,gonna miss ya..
snide comment....lol...
I guess you must know more about KW/RVs friendship than they do.
I'd imagine after being friends for several years, RV said just what he thought his buddy needed to hear (Windham seemed to like it, or fully understand his intent). RV, KW and we, all know he is better off stepping down while the gettins' good.
I can just hear a prior conversation between the two during a likely b!tchfest about JS7 and greed. Therefore the implied intent, common understanding between the two, pure speculation though. I'm sure the run-in or two 7 and 14 had the last couple pissed KW off, kinda like when 7 grenaded right in front of 14 in the whoops, wherever it was, last year or the year before.
Pure speculation though, point being, they know each other.
@wetto107--You have obviously taken RV's words out of context--It seems RV was asking him if he needs MORE than he already has to be satisfied with his career.. RV and K-Dub are friends, they have been photographed together a few times.. RV wasnt being snide or disrespectful, and even K-Dub said he put it in the right perspective, " how many more wins and cheers do I need" And is it worth maybe injuring myself for life"... I think that is kinda how it was meant, it seems thats how Windham explained it, maybe read the entire article it will be clearer...
@ someguy
Man........ take it for what it is .. You watch to much tv
@someguy, that was Vegas, and K-Dub said the only thin k he ever got by following Stewie was whiped out.. They actually had to pull Windham away from Stewie after that, never knew K-Dub had a temper until then..
Talk about Greed if poto bites the big one again you think that leg will make it !! NO He one to talk about greed ! They are all Moto hores !
@BD Lol ya.
@Sloan- ?..right. sure thing.
@wetto107, you're clearly not getting it. Seeing this typed out you can't see the emotions or expressions behind how its being said, RV1 just gave KW a revelation. You'd have to be there to see how it was said. Again, when you read comments they lack expression and meaning because its just words on a computer. RV and KW are friends, RV is way ahead in maturity and thinking.
RV was in NO WAY making a snide comment dude. He just summed it up in a funny way. I mean, what would KW's motivation be? It's not about him anymore. I'm sure his mechanic was paid. I'm sure Geico is gonna be just fine. The dude has 4 kids. Riding Supercross when you don't need it at over 30 years old seems a bit irresponsible and selfish from a dad's perspective, and once he saw it that way clearly, he called it quits. BTW, I'm listening to my son babble in his crib trying to go to sleep. Unless you've done that don't post something negative about this post....because you don't get it yet...someday you will.
Greed meant, the only reason you're here is for you...are you the most important thing to yourself? The answer was no.
Spot on captainteach.
Anyone on here know if kdub did a transfer at A2? I saw pictures that he rode out during the opening ceremonies and read that he'd continue to each race for the ceremonies this year but wasn't sure if that meant he was still going to ride at all.
Very well said by"Captainteach" above me. My thoughts exactly.
@731Chopper---The K-Dub annoucement/spur of the moment ceremony took that timeslot i'm pretty sure, supposedly 14 is going to be involved in a good deal of opening ceremonies now though.
K-Dub is to motocross like Eric Clapton is to the guitar. They are both masters of their instrument. He will truly be missed at the races.
So is Jeff going to start calling Reed "the old man" now.
I know KW won 2 125 SX championships, did he ever win an outdoor title? He'll be missed. Great guy.
Turn out the lights
The party's over
They say that
All good things must end
Call it tonight
The party's over
And tomorrow starts
The same old thing again
Great article, KDub was a really nice guy.
@ cr75
More like a ukulele!!! Tiny Tim
"Tiptoe Through The Tulips"
with Miss Vicki !!
So, RV is to BLAME for K-Dub retiring!! I knew it!!
I think people took for granted Kevin Windham and what an incredible ambassador he IS for our sport. We just thought that he would always be there for us to cheer for and get an autograph from. This sport will never have enough riders like K-Dub on the track or in the pits. Sorely missed, never forgotten and always appreciated!! Thank You Kevin Windham!!
Kevin Windham; "I think I knew it was time, but I was expecting it to feel good when it was that time, and it didn't [feel good]. But it was necessary."
Those are some humbling words from a man who has given the first 33% of his life to a sport that he gave 100% to, for (Two Decades), and that's only the time he did it professionally. The rest of the time it was because he, like so many of his peers, loved what he was doing while on a dirt bike. I don't think there is anyone on these boards who would have any difficulty appreciating that fact.
I feel fortunate just to have been witness to his time spent entertaining the multitudes, let alone (him) putting (it) on the line every-time the gate dropped. That is an incredible amount of, working weekends...
As all of you have said before me, Kevin is a unique entity to the sport of Motocross and Supercross. If for no other fact than he has remained at the top of his (world) class for a quarter of a century (that'll make you feel like retiring alone) while raising a fine family of four (five counting his lovely wife Dottie), building a respectable business on the side, that he can cultivate further now, acquiring half the real-property of the state of Mississippi, and most probably the all around (peoples favorite rider) in the history of the sport. Fine job, Kevin!!!
Thank you, Kevin Windham, for sharing such a large part of you, with all of us...
"Prost!!!"
PS Great PulpMX show last night Steve, and a fine article (tribute) today.
Thanks for the memories Kevin. Now give your 450 to Tomac for the rest of the year. That kid is sandbagging the 250 class and needs to step up now!
I hope KDUB would be the first to say he isn't a hero. That HONOR and PRIVLEDGE is reserved for those who sacrifice their lives for country, family and friends. If you don't understand that...well...you just won't or haven't been there. I can't be a fan when he was afraid to fly overseas to help Team USA when our boys are being fragged. It was cowardice. So you can ride a motorcycle, you are a coward not to support our country whilst our boys were being maimed and killed and you had safe passage on an airliner. NO RESPECT and hope you disappear off the MX screen where hopefully real men (like Hannah) can thrive and not leech like Emig and Pingree.
mxjdh023- I'm not sure that I follow your post. So much so that I think you are just trying to bait someone into an argument, and that makes me a little embarrassed to respond. I think you are making a stand for the troops- something that everyone on this site, kdub and myself included, would and do support. But it seems a little incoherent at times. Could you clarify? And why would you have no respect for the man? A man who has brought so much to the sport, sets a good example for all people, and also extends aid to causes outside the sport by promoting/producing events like his party in the pasture that, if I am not mistaken, raises money for charity. I'm sure that some of the beneficiaries of said charity would consider Mr. Windham a hero. Even if it is a different class of hero for the sake of not diluting the term reserved for those who serve the USA through military service.
Pitbull - I see where you are coming from. Media beat up of the littlest things etc...BUT, how about this...Kevin Windham is a Hero and inspiration to the sport of MotoX...?
mxjdh.....snap out of your self rightous diatribe...this is a MX / SX web site for god sake! Never have I read such a load of crap...and I read the comments here and over at Vital, so that is saying something!
For what it's worth, I think the most telling point in Steves story was Kevins comment about it not feeling good like always thought it would but that it was necessary. Thats a very tough step to take there and he faced up to it.
At 43 and still racing/riding I have always looked to KW as my inspiration..He is younger but he rides a hell of a lot faster so I figure we are about even!!!
Anyway, best of luck KW withyour businesses and the next phase of your life from a fan from the arse end of the world!
Smart move Kevin, enjoy your family and moto retirement.
Now RV has to ask himself the same question. He's implied more than once how much he looks forward to NOT racing. He could care less about records too. Its all about the scratch right now. Scary thought.
If there was a "peoples choice" award for a motocross racer Kevin Windham would win it hands down. What a great career from a person who has become a great gentleman.
I'm happy that Kevin made this decision for himself and his family. Although his retirement wasn't carried out like he envisioned, he made the right choice. A tough choice, but the right one.
I'd love to see Kevin in the announcers booth. He's a natural. He still has so much to offer to the sport and his fans. I'd love to see him carry out a "farewell tour" of appearances and then land a job in the industries' camera eye.
If there was any style I wish I could have implemented as a rider it would have been a hybrid between David Bailey and Kevin Windham. Technically brilliant, smooth and really, really fast. Both are great people too.
Great job Kevin! You're the people's choice. Best wishes always.
He had talent, but if I had a kid in the sport I wouldn't really want him to consider him a MX hero of his.
From Belgium, respect absolut Monsieur Windham! Right choice at the right moment,enjoy having all your time now to take care of yourself and your family.
You are a reference and a belle person.
Be happy.
@mxjdh023; FYI
Definition-Hero; A man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
I am completely OK with the above definition of Hero, and how it relates to Kevin Windham. Where you are coming from with your less than respectable bile, is a whole other animal, that I am not familiar with regarding the person this article was written for and about.
Check those meds, pal!!!
caseypons
Dude you sound real Nieve !! He will come back out of retirement in about a year after being around 5 Be-ouches you better believce he will get out of the house ! LOL !
Doing SX only, he has been semi-retired for quite a while now. I'm looking forward to not hearing all the hype about him.
If anyone ever called JS7 a "hero" - they'd be run off this site. lol Double standard? You bet. Anyway, congrats KDub, for making it through in one piece. And thanks for all the great races and memories. Best wishes to you.
SuperSXFanMan
Anyone that calls you anything less than a 2 bit punk should be run off. Get a life dork !
Last rider from the 90s to race into this current era.......
Tomac just found his 450 ride.
Kevin did three transfers at A2 and a stoppie, but no racing.
So sorry that Kevin had to retire, but so happy that Kevin retired at this level and with this popularity and as healthy as he is. Remember, Kevin made RC cry at the east west shootout back in the day, I liked that.
I also liked it when he waxed the Euro's at the USGP and the world said "Stephan who?
I think the reason can be summed up in two words....Doug Henry.
I bet the party in the pasture will be really big this year.
Thanks K-dub, you put the "O" in flow.