Press Release

Led by duo of SX champions, GEICO Honda team ready for outdoor action

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 16) – It's a new season but the same mindset for GEICO Honda riders Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, Justin Bogle and Wil Hahn as they head west for the start of the Lucas Oil AMA Motorcross Championships this Saturday at the historic Hangtown Nationals.

The team is trading in the fireworks and bright lights of Supercross for Motocross' grueling afternoons under the sun, and SX Lites West champion Tomac says he can't wait to get started.

"I very much looking forward to Hangtown," Tomac said. "I got a win there in 2010 in my first race as a pro. Last year wasn't as good, but it was still a fourth place finish. I think after the success the team had in Supercross, we're all going to be dialed in right from the start. It's going to be a really fun outdoor season."

SX Lites East Champion Barcia said he's itching to tackle the 12-race motocross season at 100 percent health for the first time in two years.

"I'm looking forward to it definitely," Barcia said. "I'm glad to be completely healthy going into a Motocross season because that hasn't happened in a while. Myself and the rest of the team had such a good year in Supercross and we want to be able to back it up during the outdoor season. We want to show everyone that we're all-around riders."

For Hahn and Bogle, the new season means they can put the ups and downs of their individual indoor campaigns aside and get a fresh start.

"It's nice to have a clean slate," said Hahn, who reached the podium in the SX finale. "I've got some momentum on my side right now. I feel good after doing the three rounds on the 450 in Supercross and the final two rounds on my 250. I'm just looking to continue the progress I've been making every day on the track.

"Right now I'm enjoying things more than I ever have. It's a good feeling and I want to keep moving with it."

Bogle said he's excited to get back to the part of the sport he loves most.

"It's a chance to turn things around," Bogle said. "I'm ready to get out there, ride hard and get good finishes. I like motocross more than Supercross, so I've been having a lot more fun in training during the week."

Hahn said the team practices preparing for outdoor season have been intense, but fun.

"For the past few weeks, we've been really working well as a team," Hahn said. "The four of us have been real tight with everything. We've all put in a lot of work to get the bikes and ourselves ready to race.

"We've been pushing each other on and off the track. We've got two champions in Justin and Eli, and Bogle is awesome in the outdoors. It's great to push each other so intensely but still have friendly moments when we're done."

Practice for the Hangtown National gets under way at 8:30 a.m. PDT on Saturday with Opening ceremonies slated for 12:40 p.m. FUEL TV will air the first motos starting at 4 p.m. EDT and the NBC Sports Network will air the second motos starting Sunday at 12:30 a.m. EDT. 

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