Vital MX Forum QNA: Wil Hahn

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Wil Hahn
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GuyB
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GuyB
Edited Date/Time 4/10/2017 4:40pm


This week's guest in the Vital MX forum QNA is Wil Hahn. Wil Hahn has been a member of the Star Racing Yamaha, Muscle Milk KTM, Troy Lee Designs, GEICO Honda, and Monster Energy Kawasaki teams, and was the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross 250 East number one. He and his brother, Tommy, will also host the Hahn Brothers Supercross in Great Bend, Kansas, on Sept 18-19.

Bring your best questions, and he'll be peeking in here this week to answer them. As always, keep it respectful, and ask questions that you would like in a face-to-face meeting.
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huck
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huck 8/31/2015 11:26am
8/31/2015 11:26am
Seems that you are always upbeat and that's great. How is your career progressing, per your 'plan'?

Has the change from 250 to 450 been easier or more difficult than you expect?
GuyB
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GuyB 8/31/2015 11:57am
8/31/2015 11:57am
I've got four(+)...

How about the lowdown on the Hahn Brothers Supercross? Purse? Who's in? What's the event all about?

What's your current status on recovery?

For training, what's the benefits on each type of cycling, road and mountain?

Do we have to call RFed Champ now?
Firefly47
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Firefly47 8/31/2015 12:01pm
8/31/2015 12:01pm
Wil(bur), what do you think of the current tracks in the national series?

What is your favorite, least favorite, and what changes could be made to make improvements?
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 12:54pm
8/31/2015 12:54pm
huck wrote:
Seems that you are always upbeat and that's great. How is your career progressing, per your 'plan'? Has the change from 250 to 450 been easier...
Seems that you are always upbeat and that's great. How is your career progressing, per your 'plan'?

Has the change from 250 to 450 been easier or more difficult than you expect?
Huck, I'm upbeat because I get to live my dream, nothing I can complain about. I mean I wanted to be a champion about 3 years before it happened. But I wouldn't change my path. It's made me appreciate everything I have now.

The 250 to 450 has been great. I'm lucky to be surrounded by great people that are trying to help me with the transition.

The Shop

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wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 12:58pm
8/31/2015 12:58pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 1:25pm
GuyB wrote:
I've got four(+)... How about the lowdown on the Hahn Brothers Supercross? Purse? Who's in? What's the event all about? What's your current status on recovery...
I've got four(+)...

How about the lowdown on the Hahn Brothers Supercross? Purse? Who's in? What's the event all about?

What's your current status on recovery?

For training, what's the benefits on each type of cycling, road and mountain?

Do we have to call RFed Champ now?
HBSX www.gbmxpark.com will give you all the info you need. I'm excited. It's our third year and this is our biggest purse yet (10k) Ansr racing has stepped up big time for us. It's at the very first track I ever raced and it's near my hometown. So all that means a lot to me to see everyone I grew up with.

I'm near getting back on the bike now. Should know more this week.

Depends. Everyday is goal oriented. Recovery is better on road. And more high intensity is easier on mtb for me. So. All what your goal is really.


And he's. He deserves it !!ha ha
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 12:59pm
8/31/2015 12:59pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 1:19pm
Firefly47 wrote:
Wil(bur), what do you think of the current tracks in the national series? What is your favorite, least favorite, and what changes could be made to...
Wil(bur), what do you think of the current tracks in the national series?

What is your favorite, least favorite, and what changes could be made to make improvements?
I think some could use help,

My fav has to be Red Bud and Budds, least fav was Utah. I think they need to be slower and wider just like what we saw at Indiana. There is a reason that was some of the best racing we saw all year. It's cause the track allowed for it.
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 1:01pm
8/31/2015 1:01pm
huck wrote:
Seems that you are always upbeat and that's great. How is your career progressing, per your 'plan'? Has the change from 250 to 450 been easier...
Seems that you are always upbeat and that's great. How is your career progressing, per your 'plan'?

Has the change from 250 to 450 been easier or more difficult than you expect?
wilbur48 wrote:
Huck, I'm upbeat because I get to live my dream, nothing I can complain about. I mean I wanted to be a champion about 3 years...
Huck, I'm upbeat because I get to live my dream, nothing I can complain about. I mean I wanted to be a champion about 3 years before it happened. But I wouldn't change my path. It's made me appreciate everything I have now.

The 250 to 450 has been great. I'm lucky to be surrounded by great people that are trying to help me with the transition.
I think it's cause this is what I truly live for. And like I said above I get to wake up every day and live my dream. Not many get to say that. It's not something I will ever take for granted. Also every the lowest point in my career. There is someone struggling much worse then a broken bone.
TeamRags
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TeamRags 8/31/2015 1:15pm
8/31/2015 1:15pm
Last year you came into Anaheim looking really good, and seemed to have lots of confidence. Obviously A1 didn't go as planned but, do you still carry over some of that confidence knowing you were where you needed to be on the bike?
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 1:27pm
8/31/2015 1:27pm
TeamRags wrote:
Last year you came into Anaheim looking really good, and seemed to have lots of confidence. Obviously A1 didn't go as planned but, do you still...
Last year you came into Anaheim looking really good, and seemed to have lots of confidence. Obviously A1 didn't go as planned but, do you still carry over some of that confidence knowing you were where you needed to be on the bike?
My goals haven't and won't change. I'll be working my butt off to be the best i can be.
ML512
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ML512 8/31/2015 1:39pm
8/31/2015 1:39pm
As you were still an amateur, did your brother's early pro career change your opinion on the sport much and did it ever make you second guess your decisions with racing as you were reaching the pro level?
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 2:02pm
8/31/2015 2:02pm
ML512 wrote:
As you were still an amateur, did your brother's early pro career change your opinion on the sport much and did it ever make you second...
As you were still an amateur, did your brother's early pro career change your opinion on the sport much and did it ever make you second guess your decisions with racing as you were reaching the pro level?
Honestly. If it hadn't been for Tom and at critical part of my amateur career. I would have quit in 2005.

Thanks to him motivating me and showing me the way to do things and introducing me to to other people.

That and my dad didn't raise a pansy lol
MarkyKaderabek 8/31/2015 2:03pm
8/31/2015 2:03pm
Hello Wil, you've been through some serious injuries last couple years and always come back. For me it's really devastating to see someone from this huge mx family down. I know,it's never ending topic, but I'm curious what a pro rider at your level think about safety.
What would you like to change to make our sport safer?
How many times per week do you ride motorcycle during the sx season?
And If you run, how fast can you run 1mile? Smile

Thank you and good luck!!!
Greetings from Czech Rep
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hvaughn88 8/31/2015 2:10pm
8/31/2015 2:10pm
Wil,

What's one hobby you have outside of moto that might surprise us?

Also, how has staying with Kdub impacted you both on and off the bike?

Thanks for doing this. Looking forward to seeing you back in action next year.
RPM68
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RPM68 8/31/2015 2:17pm
8/31/2015 2:17pm
wilbur48 wrote:
Honestly. If it hadn't been for Tom and at critical part of my amateur career. I would have quit in 2005. Thanks to him motivating me...
Honestly. If it hadn't been for Tom and at critical part of my amateur career. I would have quit in 2005.

Thanks to him motivating me and showing me the way to do things and introducing me to to other people.

That and my dad didn't raise a pansy lol
When are you coming back to 3 Palms? you shredded that place many times and would love to see you out here again soon!
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HuskyEd 8/31/2015 2:18pm
8/31/2015 2:18pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 2:19pm
Will, your practice crash in Las Vegas happened right in front of me and I must say I thought your title hopes were out the window that night. When you came out and raced the final with that broken hand that was awesome. Kudos to you for keeping that championship hope alive.

How close were you to not racing that night? The pain had to be way up there.
richardwhite
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richardwhite 8/31/2015 2:24pm
8/31/2015 2:24pm
wil,

who is your favorite fat guy?
Ransom_Bennett 8/31/2015 2:40pm
8/31/2015 2:40pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 2:42pm
You're the nicest dude and you rip. Been a fan since amateurs and am from Nebraska so always felt some type of connection with the neighboring state factor.

Running, cycling or concept2 rowing?
RCB33
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RCB33 8/31/2015 3:39pm
8/31/2015 3:39pm
Do you have many friends that race against you or do you prefer to just be a competitor? Also, will we ever see you shred here in the MoKan area again anytime soon?

Pit Row

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Idaho747
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Idaho747 8/31/2015 4:25pm
8/31/2015 4:25pm
We all see some of the struggles privateers go through as far as bikes, parts, and travel. But what is the hardest part and easiest part of being a factory rider?
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:30pm
8/31/2015 4:30pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 6:12pm
MarkyKaderabek wrote:
Hello Wil, you've been through some serious injuries last couple years and always come back. For me it's really devastating to see someone from this huge...
Hello Wil, you've been through some serious injuries last couple years and always come back. For me it's really devastating to see someone from this huge mx family down. I know,it's never ending topic, but I'm curious what a pro rider at your level think about safety.
What would you like to change to make our sport safer?
How many times per week do you ride motorcycle during the sx season?
And If you run, how fast can you run 1mile? Smile

Thank you and good luck!!!
Greetings from Czech Rep
Thanks for the kind words. My love for it overcomes any negative, honestly.

As far as safety. I'm not sure what you can do to make it safer other than hopefully slow the tracks down and make them more technical. I'm a believer that with the evolution of our sport that we will find a way to jump things and go fast. So we need to slow the tracks down.

During SX I ride 2-3 days in between races.

I run. And I'm no Usain Bolt, but a 5 flat.


Lol. But seriously. In the 6s.
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:34pm
8/31/2015 4:34pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 6:11pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
Wil, What's one hobby you have outside of moto that might surprise us? Also, how has staying with Kdub impacted you both on and off the...
Wil,

What's one hobby you have outside of moto that might surprise us?

Also, how has staying with Kdub impacted you both on and off the bike?

Thanks for doing this. Looking forward to seeing you back in action next year.
I love to fish man. And cycling.

He's shown me how to treat the fans and how to present myself to the public. That, and the guy has great family morals. Been great to be around it.

Thanks!
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:36pm
8/31/2015 4:36pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 6:10pm
HuskyEd wrote:
Will, your practice crash in Las Vegas happened right in front of me and I must say I thought your title hopes were out the window...
Will, your practice crash in Las Vegas happened right in front of me and I must say I thought your title hopes were out the window that night. When you came out and raced the final with that broken hand that was awesome. Kudos to you for keeping that championship hope alive.

How close were you to not racing that night? The pain had to be way up there.
Yeah. There was a small part of me that wasn't sure if it was going to happen. But we made a team decision and I said it's 15 minutes of pain for something that will be in the record books forever.

I can tell you the last lap was all I had.
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:36pm
8/31/2015 4:36pm
richardwhite wrote:
wil,

who is your favorite fat guy?
Well that's easy. You!
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:37pm
8/31/2015 4:37pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 6:09pm
Ransom_Bennett wrote:
You're the nicest dude and you rip. Been a fan since amateurs and am from Nebraska so always felt some type of connection with the neighboring...
You're the nicest dude and you rip. Been a fan since amateurs and am from Nebraska so always felt some type of connection with the neighboring state factor.

Running, cycling or concept2 rowing?
Thanks man. I love the Midwest!


All the above. I do them all.
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:38pm
8/31/2015 4:38pm
RCB33 wrote:
Do you have many friends that race against you or do you prefer to just be a competitor? Also, will we ever see you shred here...
Do you have many friends that race against you or do you prefer to just be a competitor? Also, will we ever see you shred here in the MoKan area again anytime soon?
I have a lot of friends. But that's all out the widow when you're racing.


Maybe one day !
wilbur48
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wilbur48 8/31/2015 4:39pm
8/31/2015 4:39pm
Idaho747 wrote:
We all see some of the struggles privateers go through as far as bikes, parts, and travel. But what is the hardest part and easiest part...
We all see some of the struggles privateers go through as far as bikes, parts, and travel. But what is the hardest part and easiest part of being a factory rider?
Hardest part is stayin at the point where you're always wanted. There are a lot of pressures that when I was younger I didn't know how to cope with.

Easiest part is I have one job. Go train my ass off so I'm ready. No excuses.
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Bultaco 8/31/2015 6:28pm
8/31/2015 6:28pm
From what I understand your family is from Great Bend Kansas. I am a Kansas kid also (Pratt) and did all my racing in the 70's. At tracks in Pratt, Hutch, Medicine Lodge, Wichita, Newton, Luray, etc. In the 70's there were a few fast guys, Witt, Campbell, Krebs that could qualify for a national or a trans-am, but the level of competition did not seem fast enough to truly generate national level speed. We used to travel to Oklahoma to step it up. Or Texas, Or California.

What has changed that the whole Hahn family is fast? Was moving to Texas because of looking for a racing challenge?

Thanks, and it is nice to see some Hayseeds representing Kansas in Motocross. Smile
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Calhoun117 8/31/2015 6:39pm
8/31/2015 6:39pm
-When you throw a leg over a new bike what is the first thing you change? Besides suspension settings?
-What's your favorite bike you've ever ridden?
-What do you feel is the most important aspect of a bike? Braking,turning,suspension,power delivery ect?
-Do you still get nervous about hucking big jumps you've never done before?

There's a lot more I could ask and I've probably already asked too many, it's cool you take the time out of your day to do this.
Daniel816
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Daniel816 8/31/2015 6:57pm
8/31/2015 6:57pm
Hey Will, I'm a huge fan and have been for a long time. Your attitude and ability to adapt and overcome with a smile on your face is something I really hope the younger generations learn. My question is, as someone who seems to be well grounded and not a moto primadona so to speak. How do the fan interactions and appreciation of you and your character rank against some of your career highlights? and to follow up do you get inspired by the majority of what you hear from fans in the autograph line or is there an adverse effect when you're trying to focusing on race day?
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jasonv43 8/31/2015 7:58pm
8/31/2015 7:58pm Edited Date/Time 8/31/2015 7:58pm
Will,

Big fan here. I think most of the good questions have already been asked. I know you've touched on safety a little bit.

For you how much thinking goes into the gear you wear? Helmets are a big issue right now and I'm curious how much thought goes into the brand / safety / testing of the helmet? I'm sure money and contracts are an influence at some point but I just wanted to hear your thoughts?

Thanks and good luck next year!!!

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