40 Day Countdown To AMA Motocross Opener: 2002
Thursday, May 12, 2011 | 6:05 PM
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PrintWelcome to the 40-Day Countdown to the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships—the 40th year anniversary of American Motocross. Today, a big season in the history of the tour, with two new stars jumping into the 125 class, and one big one taking domination of the 250 class to a whole new level.
And remember, to learn more about the entire series, check out the new Facebook page here: and also www.allisports.com, the official webpage of the tour.
(If you missed any of our previous years, please click here)
Absolutely, positively no one could touch Ricky Carmichael in 2002.
Photo: Mario Barberio
In 2002, the term “perfect season” had not even entered the motocross lexicon. There was simply no way that anyone could ever be expected to avoid bad starts, first-turn crashes, mechanical troubles, slips and falls in 24 motos on the roughest tracks in the business. So perhaps what makes Ricky Carmichael’s 2002 AMA Motocross campaign so impressive is that for as impossible as it seemed at the time, Ricky didn’t even make it look difficult.
He was never even threatened. Never had a scare. Never had a moto when he couldn’t get into the lead until late. Ricky was so good in 2002 that he made something we had never seen before look routine. And also, he made good on his switch to Honda. Fans weren’t exactly pumped on RC going to Honda, but it was hard to argue his reasoning—he was really, really good outdoors on the Kawasaki in 2001, but even better on the Honda in 2002.
James Stewart made one heck of a pro debut in 2002, winning the 125 National Championship with ease.
Photo: Mario Barberio
Not that Kawasaki was that bummed. They had a new factory recruit in James “Bubba” Stewart, and the much-hyped 16-year-old somehow managed to overshoot the mark on his expectations. Coming into the season, four riders were expected to run for the 125 crown. The 2001 battlers, Grant Langston and Mike Brown, were back, Stewart had joined the tour, as did Chad Reed. And Reed might have been the favorite. He finished second in the 250 class of the ’01 GPs, had dominated the 125 East SX Series, and was armed with the potent YZ250F. With an expected power advantage, many saw the best rider on the best bike and thought of it as an unbeatable combo.
At the Glen Helen opener, James won the first national he ever entered via a smart ride, splitting moto wins with Brown. Then at a muddy Hangtown, he won again. At High Point things came undone when Bubba twisted his knee in practice and could barely get through the motos. Reed outdueled Brown for the first-moto win, and then Brown crashed out of moto two and twisted his knee, as well. Langston was also hurting, so at that point, it looked like all the pre-season hype for Reed was about to play out. But then he jacked up his shoulder at Southwick!
In his first year in the U.S., Chad Reed cleaned up in East SX and looked good early outdoors by taking High Point. He wasn't a match for Stewart, though, and amazingly enough, he wouldn't win another AMA Motocross until High Point in 2009!
Photo: Simon Cudby
Reed soldiered on through the day in pain (shades of Langston’s ride there a year earlier). Stewart has ridiculous speed but his engine blew up. Taking advantage of all of this was Suzuki’s Danny Smith, who won his first and only AMA National in an emotional day. Just a few days before the race, Smith’s brother had died in a construction incident. Forget championship runs—wins don’t get much more emotional than that.
Before long, Stewart had figured out the deal and began clipping off moto wins and overalls. At one point, Reed apparently said he could run with Stewart if he could get a better start, so Stewart took matters into his own hands at Unadilla. While leading the first moto (after a good start), Stewart suddenly started to slow down. He was actually going to let Reed catch up! A startled Reed then took the lead, and Stewart got back on the gas, passed him back and took off. You think a rivalry was beginning to brew between these two?
Before "believe the hype" we were believing this hype.
As it turned out, Stewart was even faster than expected outdoors, and he dominated the series by winning the last eight nationals in a row. The Reed/YZ250F combo never caught fire. Reed said he didn’t think the 250F was an advantage, but then he never asked to try a YZ125, either.
Meanwhile the 2002 Motocross des Nations was mired in controversy. In a shocker, officials announced the event would take place in the U.S. at Southern California’s Competition Park. The facility would move to a new location on Indian tribe lands and build a world-class track just for the event. But progress was either slow or non-existent, and as the race grew closer, anyone who checked the place out left scratching their heads. Finally an incident broke a few days before the race, one of the tribes men fired a gun, and the whole facility was shut down—and the des Nations cancelled. Team USA members Ricky Carmichael, Mike LaRocco and Mike Brown went home. Fans groaned, but a cool international race called the World Cup of Motocross took place at Glen Helen, just to give fans who had traveled halfway across the world something to see. The American team consisted of Tim Ferry, Kyle Lewis and Sean Hamblin, but they came up short against the Australian team of Chad Reed, Michael Byrne and Craig Anderson.
The actual des Nations were rescheduled back in Europe, but the US couldn't get a team and bikes overseas in such a short order. France railed to the victory in the race.
No surprise, injuries struck down what was supposed to be Travis Pastrana's outdoor debut season on a 250. What was a suprise was virtual unknown Sean Hamblin taking TP's bike and logging solid rides all summer.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2002 250cc National Motocross
Date Location Winner Machine
May 12 San Bernardino, CA Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
May 19 Sacramento, CA Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
May 26 Mt. Morris, PA Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
June 9 Southwick, MA Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
June 16 Budds Creek, MD Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
July 7 Buchanan, MI Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
July 14 Troy, OH Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
July 21 New Berlin, NY Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
July 28 Washougal, WA Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
August 18 Millville, MN Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
August 25 Binghamton, NY Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
September 1 Delmont, PA Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
Check out the headlines back in 2002--Mike Metzger nailed two backflips at the X Games and people went crazy.
2002 250cc National Point Standings
Pos. Name, hometown Machine Pts.
1 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda 600
2 Timmy Ferry, Largo, FL Yamaha 440
3 Ezra Lusk, Acworth, GA Kawasaki 396
4 Sebastien Tortelli, Los Angeles, CA Honda 359
5 Kyle Lewis, Henderson, NV Honda 325
6 Mike LaRocco, South Bend, IN Honda 310
7 John Dowd, Chicopee, MA KTM 288
8 Sean Hamblin, Sun City, CA Suzuki 230
9 Robbie Reynard, Oklahoma City, OK Honda 228
10 Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, CA Honda 203
Many consider Kyle Lewis the best rider to never get a factory ride, and his solid fifth overall in the 250 class helped prove that point.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2002 125cc National Motocross
Date Location Winner Machine
May 12 San Bernardino, CA James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
May 19 Sacramento, CA James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
May 26 Mt. Morris, PA Chad Reed, Australia Yamaha
June 9 Southwick, MA Danny Smith, Middleton, ID Suzuki
June 16 Budds Creek, MD James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
July 7 Buchanan, MI James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
July 14 Troy, OH James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
July 21 New Berlin, NY James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
July 28 Washougal, WA James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
August 18 Millville, MN James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
August 25 Binghamton, NY James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
September 1 Delmont, PA James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
Once RC had a win streak going, he never stopped wearing the orange Fox gear.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2002 125cc National Point Standings
Pos. Name, hometown Machine Pts.
1 James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki 529
2 Branden Jesseman, Palmdale, CA Suzuki 392
3 Chad Reed, Australia Yamaha 391
4 Ernesto Fonseca, Costa Rica Honda 385
5 Danny Smith, Middleton, ID Suzuki 312
6 Matt Walker, Mc Rae, GA Kawasaki 285
7 Buddy Antunez, Temecula, CA Suzuki 244
8 Brock Sellards, Sherrodsville, OH KTM 216
9 Larry Ward, Florence, SC Yamaha 202
10 Travis Preston, Hesperia, CA Honda 197
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LOL I remember JS slowing down for Reed, Talk about getting faced.
Now before anyone Slams JS for that don't forget the year before RC told GL he would not even come close to him when he passes him. so all is =
HOLESHOT! Braaaappppppp
Never forget that yr at Hangtown, all these countdowns are awesome, brings up the subject of a lot of "where are they now" bits......
By mid season, Ricky made me hate orange gear!
I remember that picture of Ricky at the top, it was a big centerfold poster in some magazine. I had it plastered across my refrigerator for a few years.
Stewart + 125 = pure moto. Say what u will haters... If u missed this, sucks to be you. Getm bubba. This year was the best "The Great Outdoors" IMO
@ BillC
I am a Reed fan, and although I think what Bubba did was offensive, I can't see anyone slamming him for it, he did nothing wrong. But why are you comparing JS and RC like they're the same person?
I'm not a Bubba fan NOW, but I gotta admit I loved it when Bubba did that to Reed.
Now I have much more respect for Reedy than Bubba. Things change.
Funny thing is that I think it angered the track. And Unadilla has been Bubbas downfall several times since. Karma is a beeotch!
Enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o0aHp6HezQ
@When everyone hated Reed - AWESOME footage and love Baileys comments, he knows whats up......That is why Reed has such an issue with James, it all started that year.....Reed was talking out his ass that year and 16yr old James made him eat it....Reed will quit if he cant hang outdoors with RV and JS this year....He was getting ruled outdoors by RC and Stewart 2002-2005...so he stayed indoors...then came back out in 09' last minute after hearing James was not racing...
dude that video was so sick! I forgot the rivalry went back that far, I was giggling the whole time :) This MX season is going to friggeeen ROCK
I specifically remember seeing James 259 toy with Chad Reed. One of the commentators noted that that was something that Bob Hannah might do back in his day. It was an exellent way of putting truth to the comments Chad had said pre- race. James dodn't use words, but let his riding speak for itself. Way to go James.
I was at Glen Helen and Washougal in 2002, watching James Stewart on a 125 was something I will never forget. I think the AMA should make a rule that states if James Stewart wants to ride an AMA pro event he has to do it on a 125 two stroke, no matter what class he rides.
Absolutely amazing what RC did that year, against good competition and some of which were on 450's. He even did it 2 more times in his career. Punk move by Stewart doing that to Reedy. RC could have done that several times to Stewart but never did.
I am no Stewart fan, however no one has ever raced a 125 faster than he did. Of coarse RC was ultra fast as well as many other champions it's just that Stewart was even better. Also, Branden Jesseman is under rated on his RM125's. Check youtube and watch all these races to see how fast he was including the above mentioned Unadilla race.
Wow Bubba did that to Reed? Where their only 2 people in that moto? He is still putting his bike in front of people today. When he crashes & takes both out!
@TDeath21 RC only had 1 more 24-0 season not 2.
RC and JS certainly made it a race for second all summer long. Take away the tweaked knee for JS at Highpoint and his detonated engine in Southwick allowing Danny Smith to fulfill destiny...and MX sees two perfect, simultaneous seasons. Love these stories Jason. Just over a week till it begins again!
Look who is riding in JS's wake early in that first moto at Unadilla! That's right, perennial coat tail rider Eric-Hostess-Sorby. Reed passed him quickly that day....he is much more difficult to get past in the pits these days.
I remember watching Bubba at Southwick that year and he was untouchable until his engine blew. Even in practice he as going bigger and faster than anyone. I never would have thought back then that he would become the fraud he is today.
RC dominated the 'Wick like he did every year he raced there. When thumpers were just starting to come into play, RC rode the wheels off of that CR-250.
It sounds to me that Stewie started all the crap between him and Reed. Stewie was kinda a punk then too. @BILLC, I know you will have some response to this protecting Stewie and all and you will throw RC into it somehow. But dont you agree that is a punk move?? Slow down so the guy can catch you, then take off and beat him just to try and embaress and rub his nose into it?? Its a punk move, like an NBA guy dunking and screaming like an idiot to promote it more. But guys will rip Reed to death if he tweets something about Stew, it sounds like Stewie started the whole rivalry thing to me. It is kinda funny though, but still a low move.
RC was on an unbelievable tear that year. So dominate, alot of his competition was in thier prime also, but nobody was going to touch him that year, just dominate.
Punk move yes, but no better way to get into your competitions head than to pull off a move like that. Would be nice to see reed pull off the same move this year and see js call it quits before his 4th race. Can't wait for the season to start.
Ummmmmmmmmmm bd200 Reed started it by saying he could beat JS if he got a good start, JS did not say a word just slowed down and then beat Reed again. Why the hate? Did you have a problem when RC told GL he would not even touch him when he passes him?? Same thing IMO. This sport is a BIG mind game and if You can do that to someone you already won IMO. If you can't see why I brought RC into it I give up there is nothing more that can be said I don't think.
As much as I tried to like that bike, the '02 CR250R just wasn't as great as RC made it look. It looked right, felt right and sat right, it just didn't run right. I thought for sure the idea of a case-reed & servo power valve would've been a good setup and if it came from Honda, it would be GREAT but, no dice......not for me anyway.
Anyone see that MX 2011 preview on Fuel last night....pretty cool... I love Canards comments on Stewart...who can disagree with Trey and he knows whats up!!! ... Reeds answer about racing against James Stewart was classic Reed....cant tell he is a bitter person can you?? " Do I like racing against James Stewart??? not really ".... Chad was humiliated by James way back at Undilla (video link above) and I dont think he has ever let it go.....I dont quite understand what happened this year....Reed wanted to burry the hatchet and was giving james props....now he hates him because of Atlanta??? Hope James races outdoors and does the same thing again...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o0aHp6HezQ
.LOL watch the Vid bd200, I just did and David Baily say thats all JS has been hearing, That Reed is faster and can beat him, Then after the "move" he says hey this is raceing and if you can get into his head like that he is all done.
. that does not mean you have to agree but I find it funny how you ALWAYS say I stick up for JS and go after me for it when I am FAR from the only one who see's it the way I do.
PS. NO I don't thinks its a Punk move, Reed was talking crap and JS shut him up right?? Whats wrong with that?? No Dif than the RC example I gave, and I gave it to try and avoid this but I guess some things ya just can't aviod because you don't like JS.
@Trend Killer I did not see it, what did Canard say??
Bill C - I am sure they will replay...it was a good special.... Canard was talking about James and says something like " James is the fastest man on the planet, thats right, I will still say it...he still is "...very sincere and he means it...no joke..just straight up Canard saying it like it is......Reeds interview he just seems bitter.....I think Reed will do good on the Honda outdoors, but RV will definetly smoke him and if Stewart races he will too....
I cant put my finger on whats wrong with James....the bike, the brooks issue, the team issue....but something tells me James will be back....he isnt my favorite guy but I cant help but root for him
Who cares? It's not like JS will be pulling that with anyone this year. There are plenty of examples of this bravado happening all the way back to the days of the "Jammer", great if you can back it up, ridiculous if you can't. There are examples of this move backfiring as well, motivating the competition when they wouldn't have been before.......Youthful exuberance.
Thats right Carlsbad It has been going on for ever, In almost all sports and I think its good.
@Trend Killer Thats funny, OH boyy wait till bd200 reads that!! LOL. I think a lot of guys think that, Look what Fish said about his guy RV... He said RV was shocked a few times this year at how fast JS was going. But some on here will argue about it till death even though TC and RV race the guy and MIGHT know what there talking about.
Indeed Bill C..A lot of people hate James and always will.....James has had a year of crashing no denying that... when he says " he threw it away" that is what he means....He threw the races away by crashing....he didnt lose from people beating him...he was his own worst enemy this year...so he threw his chances at the title away by his own doing, but that is racing...i dont see it as an excuse...I see it as James manning up and saying he blew it, period...Only race that was someone else's doing was Reed at Atlanta..Reed thought he had it in the bag and his arch rival James Stewart passed him and he couldnt handle it...so he took him out...How James reacted after that was not right, but even Reed said after Dallas crash with James, he wanted to go after him...only difference, James actually did it ..James "injuring riders" with his crashes is very exagerated...it happens to all of them....James just more this year.....i hope it doesnt continue....so we'll see....outdoors this year has a lot of potential.....
I finally have to say something as I've finally had enough. Reed did not take Stewart out in Atlanta. Watch the race. Perfect block pass. Stewart grabbed a handful of throttle, dumped the clutch and tried to ride through Reed. End of story, not a Reed lover and a James hater. It is what is. Open your eyes, hit the slow notion function and watch. It's as plain as day. Geez!
It is weird that racer-x is not devoting much- if any coverage of the supercross series. For the 2002 recap- Nothing! - what gives? I thought supercross was supposed to be more important and prestigious than outdoors? (not in my eyes btw)
Stewart's move to let Reed catch him probably scared Reed half to death, because Reed thought, "Oh, no, that squirrelly, no frontal lobe-having Steve Erkel crash-o-matic bastard is going to crash into me somehow!!!"
People have been giving that dangerous Jiminy Cricket plenty of room for a long time. It might be his body odor that gives him all that space, coupled with his crashing tendencies and the collateral damage that inevitably comes along with it as he takes everybody down with him.
2002 was bad ass
italy actually won the mxdn in '02 but all the teams were half assed as it was so last minute