Monster Energy’s Ricky Carmichael Mines Gold In First-Ever Summer X Games Moto-X

Carmichael dominates the field at Home Depot Center supercross-like race

CORONA, Calif., (Aug. 7, 2007) – Monster Energy’s Ricky Carmichael, competing this past weekend at the X Games during his retirement tour of motocross, capped off a weekend of ESPN celebrating his illustrious career by winning the inaugural X Games Moto-X Racing event in front of a packed house at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.

Carmichael, the all-time winningest motocross racer, topped a field that included World MX GP champion Grant Langston, former AMA Supercross champion Chad Reed and one of the only guys to beat Carmichael straight-up in an Outdoor National motocross race in recent years, Kevin Windham.

“Man, I had a blast this week,” said Carmichael, who was the subject of numerous features by ESPN and even helped with some event announcing. “There was such a good vibe. We hung out and took in all we could, from the skateboard halfpipe ‘Legends’ demo to some of the BMX stuff. I was really impressed with not only how the event was put on, but by the amazing level of athletic talent across the board in LA this week.”

In his event, the Moto-X Racing, Carmichael looked as strong as he’s always been against the field comprised of most of the world’s best supercross racers. Sure, a healthy Monster Energy-backed James Stewart (knee), along with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaski’s Ryan Villopoto and Ben Townley (AMA MX Series Lites points leaders) would have made it a bit more interesting, but Carmichael certainly had his ‘A-Game’ going and was not to be denied his first X Games gold medal.

“You know, it’s definitely pretty cool,” said Carmichael of his X Games gold. “I never really thought I’d be in a position to get one. 
That was cool of ESPN to put all this together, and thanks again to Monster – as usual – for all their help.”

Next up for Monster Energy’s Carmichael (Makita/Suzuki) is this weekend’s running of the Millville (Minn.) Spring Creek MX National, Round Nine of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships.

For more information on this week’s X Games 13 – including all the results - link to www.expn.com