Carmichael Could Wrap Up Title at Binghamton

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (August 16, 2006) -- Ricky Carmichael just keeps adding to the legend. Already considered by many to be the greatest motocross racer of all time, Carmichael padded his list of accomplishments by lapping the entire field in the second moto of last week’s race in Millville, Minn.

This Sunday, Aug. 20, the series moves to rural Binghamton, N.Y., and the Broome-Tioga Sports Center where Carmichael has a good shot at clinching his seventh straight AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF.

Carmichael had a good early battle with Yamaha’s Chad Reed and Kawasaki’s James Stewart in the first moto at Millville last Sunday, but after a downpour turned the track into a mud bog for moto two Carmichael rode to one of the most spectacular finishes in the history of the series.

If Carmichael hadn’t already made a strong case for being the best of all-time by setting win records, having perfect seasons in 2002 and 2004 by winning every moto and wrapping up the championship early nearly every season – lapping the field will surely be an accomplishment that fans will talk about for many years to come.

Another place Carmichael has been perfect is at Binghamton. He’s won every AMA Motocross National at the challenging circuit since coming to the premier class in 2000. He’ll be riding to win his seventh straight AMA/Suzuki Pro Motocross Nationals at the Upstate New York circuit. If he wins Sunday Carmichael will wrap up the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship for the seventh straight time as well.

Already Carmichael is turning his attention to the post season and the Motocross of Nations on Sept. 23 - 24 at Matterley Basin/Winchester, Great Britain, where he will captain the American team alongside teammates James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto against the best in the world in the annual Olympic-like competition.

Reed is questionable for Binghamton after reportedly injuring his shoulder. That may leave Stewart, Kevin Windham and Davi Millsaps as Carmichael’s primary competition. Windham won at Binghamton in 1999 and is always fast on this circuit. Stewart is a three-time AMA Motocross Lites (then known as 125 Motocross) winner at Binghamton, so he will certainly be a threat as well.

Three riders are still involved in a heated battle for the AMA Motocross Lites title. Defending Binghamton Lites class winner Mike Alessi, of Red Bull KTM, leads the championship by just five points over Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto. Honda’s Andrew Short is still in the hunt for the championship as well so Binghamton will be a pivotal race in that championship.

For additional information on this weekend’s event call 607-849-4438 or visit the website www.broome-tioga.com.

The races will be televised on OLN. The AMA Motocross class will air on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern, while AMA Motocross Lites will show on Monday, Aug. 28 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

WHAT: 28th Annual AMA/Suzuki Pro Motocross Nationals, round ten of the 12-round Toyota AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF.

WHERE: Broome Tioga Sports Center, take Route 81 to Exit 8 (Witney Point) to Route 79 West, go 8 miles to the track.
 WHEN: Aug. 19-20, 2006

SCHEDULE: Saturday (Aug. 19) - Pro practice, 1:00-3:25 p.m.., Pre-qualifiers 4:05 p.m.; Sunday (Aug. 20) - Practice, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Qualifying, 10:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies, 12:30 p.m. Final events start at 1:00 p.m. with two 30-minute, plus two lap motos for each class.

2005 WINNERS: AMA Motocross: Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki). AMA Motocross Lites: Mike Alessi (KTM)

TICKETS: Weekend $55, Sunday only ticket: $30. Children 8 & under Free. Call 607-849-4438 for more information.