Hansen, Geiger Win Moto X Racing Gold at X Games 14

August 3, 2008 – 12:49 am PT by Greg
Tags: Moto X Racing, X Games —

No one had really ever heard of Josh Hansen before his appearance in the Moto X Racing contest, but he quickly introduced himself by beating one of the legends of the sport, Jeremy McGrath, Saturday in the finals.  Meanwhile Puerto Rican rider Tarah Geiger won the first-ever women’s version of the event.  Fans were disappointed that 17-year-old Ashley Fiolek, one of the country’s top female moto riders, had to withdrew from the event because of a crash in practice earlier in the week.

Keep reading for the official releases and recaps of all the action.

Tarah Geiger | cr. Dom Cooley/Shazamm/ESPN Images

Consistency and Fluidity Wins Josh Hansen His First X Games Gold
Underdog Succeeds in Moto X Racing Men’s Final
LOS ANGELES – Josh Hansen came to X Games 14 as the underdog in the Moto X Racing competition. Before the seeding and qualifiers began, Hansen admitted that he felt like he was at the lowest point in his career. What the sold out crowd at The Home Depot Center saw today told a different story.In the final race he came out of the gate with the holeshot, and by riding consistently and fluidly through the entire course he was able to stay ahead of the pack until the checkered flag was thrown.“This win means everything to me. I need to get back on my feet and get my name back out there,” said Hansen. “A lot of people weren’t expecting this turnout, so it’s a positive thing. I worked hard and I’m glad to see it pay off.”

Coming in second to Hansen was the “King” of Moto himself, Jeremy McGrath. Jeremy is unarguably one of the most famous dirt bikers ever and has been competing in the X Games since 2004. Winning the silver in the Moto X Racing Men’s final brings McGrath’s X Games medal tally to four.

McGrath had to fight for his silver medal, and succeeded by making a daring pass when he tucked inside of a turn towards the end of the race to pass Josh Grant. Grant held onto his position and came in third behind McGrath to win the bronze.

“Some of the fastest guys in the world were racing. I haven’t raced in a while so I’m pretty surprised to be up here,” McGrath said atop the podium. “The track was really slick and challenging to ride but I had fun. It’s all about having fun.”

MOTO X RACING MEN’S FINAL RESULTS
Results from ESPN X GAMES 14 at The Home Center in Carson, Calf. on Saturday, August 2, 2008. (Final Standings)

1. Josh Hansen – 628.56
2. Jeremy McGrath – 636.57
3. Josh Grant – 638.23
4. Josh Summey – 640.16
5. Justin Brayton – 642.63
6. Nathan Ramsey – 644.99
7. Josh Demuth – 652.24
8. Troy Adams – 679.27
9. Jason Lawrence – 783.14
10. Josh Hill – 1020.30

Tarah Geiger Pulls Ahead for Gold in First Ever Women’s Moto X Racing
Puerto Rican Racer Rallies Ahead of the PackLOS ANGELES- It was an exciting display of thrills and spills in the first ever display of Women’s Moto X Racing here at The Home Depot Center. The girls had the sold out crowd on the edge of their seats as the leading position swapped numerous times throughout the race.Straight out of the gate it was Jessica Patterson looking promising until she lost control of her bike and was forced to lay it down. This was the chance for other riders like Geiger, Sheri Cruse and Tatum Sik to pass Patterson.To everyone’s disbelief, Patterson came back from the fall to lead the pack again with Geiger hot on her heels. Towards the end of the race Geiger made an unbelievable block pass on the inside of the left hand sweeper turn to overtake Patterson, causing Patterson to bobble yet again.

As Geiger sailed through the checkered finish line, she pumped her fist in triumph. Both Cruse and Sik were also able to make their moves when Patterson bobbled, and overtook her for second and third place respectively.

“This is a great experience,” said Geiger. “I really like being the first girl to win gold. I don’t think it could have gotten any better. Hopefully this will open doors to the other girls.”

MOTO X RACING WOMEN’S FINAL RESULTS
Results from ESPN X GAMES 14 at The Home Center in Carson, Calf. on Saturday, August 2, 2008. (Final Standings)

Name / Hometown / Finish

1. Tarah Gieger / Aguadilla, Puerto Rico / 400.86
2. Sherri Cruse / Bakersfield, Calif. / 416.71
3. Tatum Sik / Temecula, Calif. / 424.67
4. Jessica Patterson / Tallahassee, Fla. / 437.80
5. Sarah Whitmore / Cheboygan, Mich. / 450.10
6. Mariana Balbi / Belo Horizonte, Brazil / 455.63
7. Ashley Boham / Loveland, Colo. / 543.59
8. Vanessa Florentino / Edgewood, N.M. / 569.26