By: Kristen Beat

Josh Hill has been a tough guy to find as of late. When the curtains drew on the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Hill found himself in 25th place, overall. Injury sidelined him for much of the season, but even when he was on-track, things didn't seem right.

We caught up with him to see what he's been up to.

Where have you been lately Mr. Hill?
I've basically been getting healthy, my back was worse than anyone thought or would have wanted to think. I had three herniated disks and a pinched nerve, my ankle was still messed up and my shoulder still wasn't 100%. I have been getting fixed up and now I definitely feel like it's time to get out there and race again. I'm ready. I've been riding a stock Yamaha and really putting my hours in.

With JLaw out of the picture, we're sure we're going to see a new JHill. We're looking forward to seeing the smiley North Westerner do big things this year.

Is it true you will be with L&M next year?
NO, I can't say it won't happen but as of now nothing is set in stone. I'd really like to be, and we've been talking but we'll just have to see how everything goes. I think it would be a great place to be, especially because I'd be on a Yamaha, which is where I've been since I was 10 years old.

So you're not going to make it to the US Open, would it be safe to say we'll see you at Anaheim?
Oh for sure, if I have to buy my own bikes I'll be at Anaheim. I feel like I have more to offer than I've showed anyone. I've only won one race and I won't be sleeping tonight knowing I've only won one, when I could have won more.

Do you feel like your approach to this season has changed at all in comparison to last season?
Definitely. I've wanted nothing more than to go in and win. This past season there really weren't any races where I was at the top of my game, due to my injuries. I love racing but no matter how hard I trained my injuries just kept getting worse. Now that those issues are resolved I'm ready to get out there and race again.

Where do you see yourself ranking in the upcoming Supercross season?
Top three in the championship is where I want to be. I've ridden with James and when he's on his game no one can beat him he's just on a different level, but if I'm healthy, like I am now there is no reason why I shouldn't be there. I definitely want to be on the box.

Looking back how do you feel about the past few seasons leading up to this point in your career?
It's all been a learning experience. I've figured out that I have a lot more to show than I've shown. I need to get on that, and right now this is my last year to prove how good I am. I don't have much time and I'm not going to blow it. I've made a lot of changes and I'm in my best shape, I'm ready to go out and race.

Thanks for your time Josh.
Thanks