Motocross and Supercross veteran Kevin Windham has been a force on the pro scene since 1994. Looked upon as one of the most naturally talented riders on the circuit, Windham’s textbook riding style has made him a consistent title contender. However, he is arguably the best rider to have never won a National Championship. The 30-year-old racer has come close; in fact, Windham has finished second in the overall points standings five times.
In 1994, Windham’s first year as a pro, the young Kawasaki support rider claimed the highly acclaimed AMA Rookie of the Year Award, and showed promise with a season-high fifth-place finish at the Delmont, Pennsylvania, round of the outdoor nationals. The fairly successful premiere was good enough to earn Windham a spot on the Factory Yamaha squad. For the next three years, the Louisiana native would bring home two Lites Class titles, and numerous race wins and podium finishes.
The following year, 1995, saw the up-and-comer bag five Supercross podiums, and a fifth overall in the final standings. He also had strong rides in the outdoor nationals with a best finish of fifth place. In 1996, Windham earned his first Lites Class championship in the West Coast Lites series. He backed that up with a second place overall in the final motocross points. In 1997, Windham had another dominant year, as he won all but two rounds on his way to another West Coast Lites title. In the outdoor nationals, he again finished second, but this time scored three race wins in the process. The next year, 1998, was Windham’s last season on the Yamaha team, but was also his first season in the premier class. The talented racer had no problem adapting to the big bikes and won two races en-route to his fourth overall standing in Supercross and eighth overall outdoors.
In 1999, Windham moved over to the Factory Honda semi, where he achieved two Supercross wins and four outdoor national wins in his first season with the red team. The following year was no disappointment, with consistent finishes in both the outdoor and indoor series.
Windham’s short, two-year stint with Honda ended, and he moved under the Factory Suzuki awning next. Windham had successful races in 2001, and finished second in the outdoors for the second time. However, 2002 would be Windham’s toughest yet. After dealing with both mental and physical burnout, he broke his femur and disappeared from racing for over a year.
Many thought he was done, but he returned for the 2003 outdoor nationals and looked to be rejuvenated and more motivated than ever. Aboard a Factory Connection Honda CRF450R, Windham gave the ever-dominant Ricky Carmichael fits, and claimed two wins during his first season back since his injury. Windham is still riding for the Honda satellite team, and has continued to show his longevity in the sport. The following season saw five more Supercross victories and another second overall in the points. The outdoor series was also successful, with a third overall in the final points. Windham started the 2005 season with a win in the muddy Anaheim supercross, and took second place honors in the outdoor season. He rode a limited Supercross schedule in 2006, but earned another consecutive second place in the outdoor nationals. After a consistent 2007 season, Windham started off the 2008 Supercross series well. He challenged an ailing Chad Reed for the title, but fell short by only several points. He returned for Supercross for the Geico Powersports team in 2009.
K-Dub is the oldest rider on the track, but he’s still one of the best, and the fans absolutely love him. His graceful riding style makes him a joy to watch, he carries himself with class, and he’s still capable of winning races. You could write an amazing book about Windham’s career, but he has many more stories to tell.
