Monster Energy’s Ricky Carmichael Opens Outdoor National MX Season

May 23, 2006, 6:04am

World’s greatest motocross racer ever battles back from 40th place in first moto to podium, wins second moto going away

CARLSBAD, Calif., (May 22, 2006) – Monster Energy’s Ricky
Carmichael’s first moto charge from dead last place (40th) - after
holeshot and subsequent crash – to the podium was the stuff legends are made of and the estimated 21,000 fans that braved the day long rains at Prairie City (Calif.) SVRA Park, aka “Hangtown,” witnessed exactly why Carmichael has been assigned this great honor.

With the intestinal fortitude of a heavyweight champion combined with Seabiscuit heart, Carmichael picked his Suzuki RMZ450 up off the ground after a second turn crash and passed all but two of the
greatest Motocross class racers in the world to make the podium
(3rd). In the second moto he the so thoroughly trounced the rest of
the field – including rivals James Stewart and Chad Reed – nearly a
minute would pass before Stewart would cross the finish line. A great
race for sure, but also a bit surprising to the holder of the most
impressive list of motorsports records – given that he hasn’t lost an
overall AMA motocross race since August of 2003!

“You know, I’m actually pretty happy with my performance today,” said Carmichael. “I made a stupid mistake in the first moto and it cost me the overall. But coming back the way I did, in the rain, was
something the whole Makita/Suzuki team can be proud of. Bubba
(Stewart) raced well and this one was for the fans. It’s going to be
a great season.”

Next up for Carmichael is High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pa., this
weekend. Carmichael has a four race winning streak at High Point
dating back to 2002.