Supercross/Motocross Legend Ricky Carmichael Re-Signs with Makita Suzuki
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 5, 2006) – Team Makita Suzuki Racing
announced today that 13-time AMA Supercross/Motocross Champion Ricky
Carmichael has re-signed with the team for three more years. The
reigning AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross and World Supercross GP Champion
will defend his AMA Motocross title in 2006 and race select Supercross
events in 2007. After that, Carmichael will continue to race
select events and focus on mentoring Makita Suzuki’s up-and-coming
riders and developing the multichampionship-winning RM and RM-Z
lines.
"I'm really excited about continuing my relationship with Makita
Suzuki," said Carmichael. "I've enjoyed these last two years with
the team and we've accomplished a lot together -- from Supercross and
Motocross championships to winning the 2005 Motocross des
Nations. Working with Team Manager Roger DeCoster has been
amazing and Suzuki has treated me like family. I can't say enough
about the support that I've received from the Makita Suzuki crew.
Now that I'm moving toward the end of my racing career, I look forward
to doing the races that I enjoy most. At the same time, I'm
excited about helping Makita Suzuki's young racers with bike testing
and development."
Carmichael signed with Makita Suzuki at the beginning of the 2005
Supercross season and that year won the World Supercross GP
Championship, the AMA Supercross Championship, the AMA Motocross
Championship, the U.S. Open of Supercross and led Team U.S.A. to
victory at the Motocross des Nations. Overall, Carmichael has
four AMA Supercross titles and nine AMA Motocross titles for a total of
13 championships, more combined AMA Supercross/Motocross championships
than anyone. Additionally, he is the only rider in history to
have been named AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year four
times.
“We’re thrilled about extending our contract with a rider of Ricky
Carmichael’s caliber,” said Mel Harris, American Suzuki’s vice
president of the motorcycle/ATV division. “There’s no one in the
paddock like Ricky. With his disciplined work ethic and his
extensive championship-winning experience, Ricky is an enormous asset
to Suzuki as we plan for the future. We’ve enjoyed having Ricky
as part of the Suzuki family and look forward to continuing this
relationship.”