Supercross: Justin Bogle Sidelined With Injuries

Cycle News Staff | December 16, 2013
  Blake Wharton will rejoin the GEICO Honda Team. Photography by Kit Palmer

Blake Wharton will step in for the injured Justin Bogle on the GEICO/Honda Team. Wharton will finish out the 250 East Series whether or not Bogle returns before the season is over.

GEICO/Honda’s Justin Bogle will miss the opening round of the 250 East Supercross Series in Arlington, Texas, February 15, after suffering injuries while practicing at Milestone MX in Riverside, California. Bogle was diagnosed with five broken vertebrae and a broken scapula (shoulder). Bogle’s return is still very much in the air and there is a realistic chance that he’ll miss the entire Supercross Series.

Just in case, the team has signed former GEICO/Factory Connection/Honda Team rider Blake Wharton to run the East Series.

“We’re confident Justin will bounce back in time but with Blake available we thought it was a good opportunity to hedge our bets a little in case Justin needs a couple of extra weeks to get back out there,” said GEICO Honda Team Manager Mike LaRocco.

Wharton rode for the GEICO Honda team from 2008 to 2011. Last year, Wharton finished third overall in the 250SX East Championship standings, winning in Houston and finishing on the podium five times.

“I think it’s going to be fun,” Wharton said. “It feels like going home again. They’ve made a few changes since I was last on the team but other than those minor changes these are pretty much the same guys I’ve worked with in the past.

“I feel like the transition will be seamless, which really allows me to focus on what I need to do to be ready to race.”

Wharton will race the East regardless of Bogle’s timetable of return.

“I’ve had success with this team before,” Wharton said. “Over the last few years I’ve become a better rider and a better racer. I feel like I’ll be able to pull all that together to have that one strong year every rider dreams of.”

 

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