Monster Energy’s Carmichael Again Tops Monster/Kawi’s Stewart @ RedBud

Ricky Carmichael caps off farewell tour undefeated (5-0) with come-from-behind win over James Stewart at the Monster Energy-sponsored RedBud National
 
CORONA, Calif., (July 2, 2007) – In what he’s saying is his last Outdoor National motocross race of his career, Monster Energy-backed Ricky Carmichael (Makita/Suzuki) made it five overall wins in a row in five events on the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship tour, this past Sunday coming from behind to top fellow Monster Energy-backed racer James Stewart in front of the largest crowd to date this year at the Nationals’ jewel event – the 2007 Monster Energy Kawasaki RedBud National, presented by Concept Haulers.


”This is my favorite track and the fans here are the best,” said a pumped-up Carmichael when he was introduced for his farewell parade lap at the race. Moments later Carmichael hopped behind the wheel of the famous Monster Energy/Pflueger Racing Baja Trophy Truck and burnt another hot lap around the RedBud facility - roosting his way through the serpentine track as the crowd went bananas again!
 
When the racing got started Carmichael found himself chasing a guy who broke all of his amateur records – Monster Energy/Kawasaki-backed James Stewart – and the guy who broke both of their amateur records, KTM’s Mike Alessi. The two Monster riders made short work of the Red Bull-backed Alessi, then opened up a near minute lead over Alessi by the end of the race. During that time Carmichael and Stewart kept the near 30,000 fans on their feet as the track announcers nearly went hoarse calling the incredible action.
 
“It’s Stewart, with Carmichael showing him a wheel!,” bellowed track announcer Tim Cotter over the southwestern Michigan countryside. “They’re going back and forth, standing toe-to-toe like a couple prize fighters!”
 
With Stewart right on his front wheel in the corners late in the race, a minor slide out by Carmichael would cost him – handing Stewart the first moto. In the second moto the tables were turned and Carmichael, who was pressuring Stewart hard again after racing from behind to catch him, took advantage of a Stewart miscue and captured the 2-1 moto win, the 149th combined motocross/supercross win of his career. Carmichael’s fifth consecutive win of the season also gives him a 16-point lead over Stewart (241-225).
 
In addition, Carmichael has now won two of three rounds of the 2007 Monster Energy/Kawasaki Triple Crown of Motocross.
 
“I want to again thank everybody at Monster for their involvement with my motocross career,” said Carmichael. “Monster has played a big part with our program the last few years and I look forward to continuing my relationship with Monster as we continue our transition into auto racing.”
 
As for if he might return to Steel City (Pa.) for the final round of the Triple Crown, Carmichael, of course, had to keep the fans guessing. “We’ll see,” he said with a laugh.