When Kevin Windham returned to motocross this year, he said he wanted to keep it low key . . . stay out of a factory big rig and just have fun. It seems to be working. Windham is solidly in second place in the AMA 250 Outdoor National Motocross series, and he ended Ricky Carmichael’s streak of 21 overall victories outdoors yesterday at Unadilla by scoring convincing wins in each moto, including the second moto where Carmichael was within striking distance most of the race, but could not close on Windham.
Windham’s speed and success this year means the factories are sure to come calling, once again. He already receives factory equipment from Honda, but big salary and bonus offers from several teams would have to be expected. Should Windham jump back into the pressure cooker of a factory race team next year, or should he remain a semi-privateer on a small, non-factory team?
Only Windham knows what is best for him, and we just hope he continues with his new found focus and speed. He is truly one of the most naturally gifted riders, ever, and Carmichael would be without any significant challenge outdoors if Windham were missing from the circuit.
