Monster Energy’s Carmichael comes from Behind, Passes Rival Stewart, then Crashes Out

July 31, 2006, 1:57pm

Still, RC boosts his lead up to 76 points in the overall AMA
Motocross class points chase over rival Chad Reed

CARLSBAD, Calif., (July 31, 2006) – Monster Energy-backed Ricky
Carmichael had the overall win at Washougal (Wash.) in the bag this
past weekend, twice tracking down and passing James Stewart for the lead in the most exciting Motocross class race of the season.

But with less than one lap to go in the final moto, having made up
some 10.5 seconds and taken the lead from Stewart in a back-and-forth affair, Carmichael made a costly mistake on the face of a seemingly easy obstacle, crashing – in spectacular fashion – to the ground and out of contention for the overall win.

“I’m bummed with myself for doing that,” said Carmichael. “I raced
really well the whole weekend and to make a mental mistake like that
was stupid. The Makita/Suzuki team had it together for me this
weekend and I blew it. But that’s part of racing and makes me look
forward to coming back that much harder in a couple weeks at Millville.”

Carmichael actually gained ground in the series standings on the next closest competitor (Chad Reed), extending his lead to the 3rd place (Washougal) Reed to 76 points (389-313) with four rounds remaining in the series.

Next up for Carmichael is the Aug. 13th running of the Spring Creek
National in Millville, Minn., Round Nine of the 2006 Toyota AMA
Motocross Championship.