Ricky Carmichael wrapped up an unprecedented fifth consecutive AMA Chevrolet 250 Motocross Championship with his victory
Sunday at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa.
The 24-year-old rider from Havana, Fla., took the championship going undefeated in 11 events so far this year. He will try for
an unparalleled second undefeated season in the final round at Glen Helen Raceway Park in Southern California this coming Sunday.
For Carmichael this year‰Ûªs championship was especially sweet since he accomplished it coming back from major injury and riding a
new motorcycle.
"Everything about this year‰Ûªs championship was really special," he said. "My goal was to come back even stronger after my
knee surgery and I think I achieved that. I also went through the early part of the season winning while I was still learning
to ride the four-stroke. I think the competition I faced this year was the best of any season I‰Ûªve won the title so it‰Ûªs very
satisfying to get this championship."
For Carmichael this year‰Ûªs 250 championship is the latest addition to the most impressive racing resume in AMA Motocross racing
history. After a banner amateur career Carmichael came into the pro ranks and promptly earned the AMA Motocross/Supercross
Rookie of the Year honors in 1996 having earned enough points for the award in just a single event.
He then came into the 125 class and won three straight AMA National Motocross titles in addition to a 125 East Region Supercross
title.
In 2000 Carmichael moved up to the 250 class and began his current championship winning streak in AMA Motocross. Along the way he
picked up three AMA Supercross titles. Perhaps the most amazing stat of Carmichael‰Ûªs nine-year professional racing career is the
fact that he‰Ûªs never failed to defend a title in a series in which he competed.
Additionally, Carmichael is the all-time wins leader in combined AMA Motocross and Supercross victories with 107 wins. He also
leads the 250 motocross category with 48-career wins so far - over 20 wins more than Bob Hannah. Carmichael has twice been named
AMA Pro Athlete of the Year (2001/2002).
Carmichael, who has always opted to run his trademark AMA #4, will honor his successful association with Honda by running the
#1 plate at the final race of the year this weekend at Glen Helen. Carmichael has signed with Suzuki for next season.
Carmichael rode for Kawasaki from 1996 through 2001.
