Friday, February 19, 2010

Josh Hill: local hero

Watch Josh Hill(75) on the blue Yamaha battle Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto (2)

Now it's time fellow Oregonian and AMA pro motocross rider Josh Hill gets in position to make something of himself and live up to the hype that has been floating around him for years.

Hill was one of three other riders in motocross history to be recruited from the amateur ranks to ride for factory Yamaha, but unlike his predecessors. He went his first three years since turning pro in 2006, with no wins and few podiums.

Factory Yamaha showed much patience in trying to mold Hill into a champion, but old flaring injuries and lack of focus left Yamaha no choice but to let Hill go and not re-sign him.

But as one door closes another opens and that is what happened with Hill.

S&M Band of Mission Indians Yamaha who signed superstar motocross rider James Stewart a year ago as their top rider. Now, Hill has been signed on as his teammate.

Speed TV's Jeff Emig talked with Hill said Hill visited a nutritionist and found various food allergies including meats. Hill cut the allergic foods from his diet, dropped around 15 pounds and is now a title threat in 2010 Supercoss series.

If Hill puts together a consistent season then he very well may be the first supercross champion from Oregon.

So far Hill has been on the podium every race, and is now tied with Ryan Dungey for top spot. Dungey won't be easily beaten but he does make big mistakes and if Hill can capitalize on that then he take home a win and maybe the championship.

Although this season is proving to be an epic one with both past reigning champions out with injuries. This season will be tough for Hill as Ryan Villopoto and Dungey also have a shot to claim their first supercross title.

Hill's stats:

Birth date: July 30, 1989
Residence: Yoncalla, OR
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 185 lbs
Turned Pro: 2006
National Number: 75
Team L&M Sam Manuel Band of Mission Indians Yamaha

No comments:

Post a Comment