Interview by: Chase Yocom
Back in 2010, the very likable crowd-favorite Wil Hahn had a breakthrough year with the Troy Lee Designs squad, scoring five podiums—two 2nd place finishes and three 3rds—and finishing second overall in the Western Regional Lites Championship. That effort earned Wil a spot for 2011 on the team he had always dreamed about riding for: the GEICO Powersports/Honda team. Then, heading into 2011 after having a stellar off-season, Wil’s dream quickly turned into a nightmare when he broke his back after riding just one practice at the Anaheim opener. Later that same year, Wil would break his shoulder while preparing for his return in the outdoors. Wil was finally was able to make his debut with the GEICO squad mid-way through the outdoor season at the Red Bud National, and he quickly showed he wasn’t done just yet. Wil holeshotted and led the first moto and scored a 6th overall in his first race back. Unfortunately, just a few rounds later, the injury bug bit yet again. For Wil, 2011 ended with a concussion and a broken collarbone at Unadilla. Yeah, that’s right—a broken back, shoulder, collarbone and a concussion in the span of four races in 2011.
Luckily for Wil, he had a two-year deal with GEICO/Honda, and even luckier—in a sport known for not honoring two-year deals—the GEICO team is a stand-up group of guys. So the supercross specialist once again went back to work, this time preparing for the 2012 SX season. Wil had an awesome off-season and, despite his series of injuries, was one of the favorites in the West for 2012. At the opener in Anaheim, Wil showed he had the speed by winning the first heat race of the year, but he crashed in the main event and finished eighth. Disappointed with that eighth, Wil was looking to improve at round two in Phoenix, but it was, again, not to be. He went down hard at the Honda test track, this time fracturing his hip. This sport is brutal, and the moto gods do not seem take into consideration how many injuries you’ve recently had when they rear their ugly heads. It had to be a here-we-go-again moment for the Texan—two years with his dream team and zero opportunities to get his first ever SX Championship.
When asked about that injury back in 2012, Wil said, “I’m just shocked, numbed. I was training this week at the Honda track, and things were going great. I went over a step up, landed awkwardly, fell over and landed hard on my right side. I felt sore when I got up. I went to the doctor, and X-rays showed something was wrong. I went to a specialist on Thursday, and he said my hip was cracked. Now, I have to sit again. I can’t believe it. I’m not even bummed. I’m beyond that.”
Wil returned—after just 12 weeks off the bike with a fractured hip—at the Seattle SX in 2012 and closed the SX season out with a 5th, a 4th and a podium in Las Vegas with a 3rd. He didn’t win, but it was definitely a reminder of the kid’s heart and determination. He backed that up by having the best outdoor season of his career (6th overall in the 250 Championship) and closed the year out with a career-best 4th overall at the Pala National. With that, Wil’s team stuck with him and brought him back for the 2013 season.
Fans are often quick to forget riders that have been out of sight, and in a sport where injuries are prevalent, that can really play mind games with an athlete. Take that fact, compound it with three back-to-back serious injuries that keep a rider out of action for nearly a full season and a half, and it can really do a number on a rider. Not for Wil, though. The #19 picked up the pieces and two weeks ago in Dallas scored a third in his fifth SX since May 2010. He was pumped on his Dallas podium, but you could hear in Wil’s podium interview that he wanted more. So when Wil came out at the Atlanta SX, qualified third and aggressively came from behind in his heat race for the win, I was not surprised. But when he holeshotted and went wire-to-wire for the main event win, I will admit I was a little surprised. Wil was perfect in Saturday night’s main event. With Dean Wilson starting right behind him, he never faltered. It was an incredible win in itself, but when you factor in all the #19 has overcome the last two years, it was simply amazing. This was one of those wins that restores your faith in the world and proves that good guys do not always finish last. Congrats to Wil, the GEICO/Honda team and the whole Hahn family.
After the race, MotoXAddicts’ Chase Yocom caught up with Wil in the pits and talked to him about his day. Here’s what Wil had to say.
We are here with the 2013 Atlanta SX 250 main event winner. How does that sound Wil?
Man, it’s still a little bit surreal right now. It’s sinking in, but slowly. I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect night for me. The race went exactly how I wanted it to go. It’s part of the hours you put in during the week and the pre-season. It’s what you prepare for, and it’s what I feel like I prepared for tonight. And I went out and did battle and had Dean breathing down my neck the whole time. I didn’t ever feel comfortable.
Man, I want to give them more. These guys re-signed me after I rode three races in two years. For them to do that at a point I didn’t even believe in myself anymore—or even if I was going to race—they did. Without the strong family I have behind me—my trainer and my friends—I wouldn’t be back here. It’s awesome.
Can you take us briefly through your day?
My day went pretty well. Practice was so-so. I was a little off the pace. I was better the second one. And, then, in that heat race I felt awesome! I was able to fireand make some passes, passed around Marvin [Musquin] and then my teammate [Zach Bell] at the end. In that main, man, I came out on fire. I got the holeshot and just tried to stay calm, relaxed and breath and lead as many laps as I could.
You mentioned qualifying third, did you make any changes to the bike between practice and the heat races?
No, not a thing. I didn’t change the tires or even change clickers or anything. I think it was a matter of when it comes to race time, I’m able to give it a little bit more. In practice, I’m just doing laps. I feel like everyone focuses on doing one fast lap, but I’m trying to get the track dialed in. Like I said, my bike was great tonight.
At what point in the main event did you start to get a little bit tight thinking that this win could be a possibility?
Man, the 14th and 15th lap was tough for me. I was running into lappers, started making little mistakes and Dean [Wilson] closed back in. Like I said, I just stayed calm, and that last lap was probably the best lap I’ve had in my career.
Well, we appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. Is their anybody you would like to thank?
Just this whole GEICO/Honda team and my trainer Ryan. Also, RePlay Camara’s, Skullcandy, Metro Honda.
Check out what will had to say in Atlanta to Jim Holley just moments after his first-ever win.
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