Wil Hahn will not be lining up at round one of the Motocross series after undergoing hand surgery this week. Image: Simon Cudby.

Following the greatest moment in his career, earning the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, 250SX east coast title, GEICO Honda’s Wil Hahn is now facing hand surgery after a hard crash during practice in Las Vegas.

During the final practice session inside Sam Boyd Stadium Hahn broke his right hand, but he kept it quiet, pushed through the pain for 15-laps and clinched his maiden Supercross title.

Although he was planning to carry this momentum into the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Hahn admits that the surgery to insert a plate into his injured hand is critical in maintaining long-term health.

“It’s a real bummer for sure,” Hahn said. “I had so much momentum going for me after finishing on the podium at every Supercross race and we won the championship. I wish there was another way around it, but for my long term health, surgery right now is my best bet.”

“I’m just thankful it’s not as bad as it could have been. It doesn’t take anything away from the weekend I had in Vegas. I’m still pumped about winning the title.

“I’m still trying to sort through all the text messages, voicemails and tweets congratulating me on the championship. My family, friends and the fans have been awesome, and I can’t thank everyone enough.”

With an estimated recovery time of three to four weeks, Hahn’s targeted return date will be 22 June for the Budds Creek National in Maryland.