Two more leading riders in the AMA Supercross, and FIM World Championship, have confirmed their deals for 2011, with Davi Millsaps and Kevin Windham signing new contracts for next season.
The Muscle Milk/Toyota/JGRMX Team has signed former factory Honda rider Davi Millsaps for the 2011 racing season and beyond.
The 22-year-old will accompany Justin Brayton in contesting the AMA Supercross and National Motocross Championship Series.
Millsaps will run the number 18, the first number ran by Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR 19 years ago and currently on Kyle Busch’s M&Ms and Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry.
Millsaps, who claims nine amateur national titles, a Lites Supercross championship and numerous podium finishes including wins in the premier class, is energized about the new season.
“I am making some major changes in my program and look forward to having the best season of my career,” said Millsaps.
Team owner Coy Gibbs welcomed Millsaps to the team.
“Davi moved into a place near our NASCAR and motocross shops so he can train with our in-house fitness staff. He is focused and eager and I am excited to have him join the JGR family,” Gibbs said.
Millsaps will replace Josh Grant, who is joining the Valli Motorsports Yamaha team.
Meanwhile, Windham has signed a two-year extension to stay with the GEICO Powersports Honda race team.
“It’s already been a wild off season with all the rumors going around of where riders are going so it’s cool to get this deal done now,” Windham said. “I’m really happy to be staying with this team. It’s home. These were the guys that gave me a second chance when I came back from my broken femur in 2002 and it just feels right to stay here.
“For this team to step up and give me a two-year deal is special. We won’t have to sweat going through negotiations next year. Now we’re looking at a place where I’m going to end my career. I couldn’t be with a better group of guys.”
The 32-year-old crowd favorite is coming off an impressive 2010 campaign where he finished as runner-up to the Supercross championship with two wins. Additionally, Windham scored an overall race win in the Motocross series filling in for injured Honda rider Millsaps.
“It’s funny because there’s talk of my age and of my pending retirement but in many ways I feel like there are parts of my riding where I’m just reaching my prime,” Windham said. “I feel great on the bike and we showed this year we could win.
“The entire team had great success, with Trey Canard winning the 250cc championship in Motocross, and everyone else scoring wins. We put forth a great team effort and that’s what it takes.
“I don’t think my riding is in decline in any way. I fully expect us to be contenders next year. I’m looking forward to the challenges. We’re a very tight family and I feel like this is the best team I’ve ever been with. They’re always there for the riders, to help us excel and make us better, and that’s a good feeling.
“GEICO Powersports also has been a key to our success. They are a great company to ride for and they understand the sport so well.”