Gate Drops for 40th Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross in Anaheim

Stewart/Carmichael Tied in Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series Points as All-Star Line-Up Returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim This Weekend

AURORA, Ill. (January 17, 2006) – After finishing second at the first three Amp’d Mobile Supercross races, Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael, 26, of Havana, Fla., was victorious Saturday night at Phoenix’s Chase Field. Amp’d Mobile Supercross celebrates its 40th race in Anaheim this weekend as the tour returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

One of the stadium’s most anticipated races will unfold this weekend for the fans at the live event and the fans at home that can watch the coverage on CBS Sports Sunday, January 22 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Kawasaki’s James Stewart, who has three wins on the season, is now tied in AMA Supercross Series points with Carmichael at 45.

Media Day is Thursday, January 19, from Noon-2:00 inside the Diamond Club. Yamaha of Troy’s race team will be on hand to answer questions and ride for the media.

Carmichael, who has six career wins in Anaheim, moved into the lead in Phoenix on lap 11 and rode off to his 41st AMA Supercross win of his career. Stewart salvaged some points last weekend when he managed to work his way through the field after starting in last place due to a first turn crash. Yamaha’s Chad Reed, the 2004 AMA Supercross Series champion, crossed the finish line in second place last weekend and sits in third place in both the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series.

Historically a slow starter, Carmichael’s last win before Phoenix was in St. Louis last season. This weekend he can become the first two-time winner in the AMA Supercross class.

“I was happy with the win,” said Carmichael, who struggled in his heat race. “I was pretty upset after the heat, you know, I knew I was better than that so I tried to make a turn around.”

Reed earned his 46th career podium finish with his second place in Phoenix.

“It felt good,” said Reed of his second place finish. “(I) got a good start, did what I had to do, and I felt I was putting some good laps together. It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to the season.”

Seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath, who has eight career AMA Supercross wins, more than any other rider in history, aims to rebound after a lack-luster 11th place finish at Anaheim 1. The winner of 72 AMA Supercross main events, McGrath finished 4th at Phoenix and won the Toyota Holeshot Award.

In the AMA Supercross Lites class Nathan Ramsey gave KTM their eighth victory as he turned in his first win of the season. Honda’s Billy Laninovich finished second in Phoenix and took over the points lead. Ramsey’s last win was at Seattle last year. The former regional supercross champion sits in fifth place in season standings.

This weekend’s race will air on CBS Sports Sunday, January 22, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

For more information about the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, please log on to www.supercross.cc.com.  For media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig at 630-566-6305/e-mail at dennyhartwig@livenation.com or Tony Gardea at 949-365-5750/e-mail tony@nextlevelsportsinc.com.