_GEICO Honda Team Press Release
_
WASHOUGAL, Wash. (July 22) - After taking a few lumps in Minnesota last weekend, the riders for GEICO Honda are hoping a shift to the west will help turn their season's fortunes in the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships.
Supercross Lites East champion Justin Barcia, who broke his nose last weekend, is fired up to get back on track for Saturday's Washougal National.
"My nose looks a lot worse than it actually is," he said. "I had the docs check it out and they gave me the thumbs up. I can breathe through it just fine, it just looks kind of rough. I'll probably scare the kids out there.
"I've raced most of the year with a bad wrist, so this is just another thing to deal with for me."
Wil Hahn has been strong in his two races since returning from a back injury that sidelined him for most of 2011.
"It feels good to be back," Hahn said. "It's been hard to believe I've been our top finisher the last two races, but I think Justin, Eli (Tomac) and I are really starting to push each other. I really think the team's best finishes are yet to come."
After getting stung by the intense humidity at Spring Creek, Tomac said he's looking forward to racing in a climate he's more familiar with.
"I'm looking forward to racing in the Northwest," Tomac said. "It's not going to be as hot or humid up there, so I'll really be able to let loose in both motos. I'm ready to make up some ground and finish this season strong."
Tomac is fifth in 250cc series points, just nine points behind Kyle Cunningham for fourth place with just five events left on the schedule. Barcia is in seventh place.
Saturday's practice at the Washougal National gets under way at 8:30 a.m. PDT with opening ceremonies starting at 12:40 p.m. FUEL TV will show the first motos in the 250 and 450 classes starting a 4 p.m. EDT with SPEED picking up the coverage live at 7 p.m. EDT.
