U.S. Open Flashback

The 2005 U.S. Open marked a dream season for Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael. The Tallahassee, Florida native turned in the quintessential grand slam, winning titles in the World Supercross GP, the AMA Supercross Series and the AMA Motocross Championship before dominating both nights of racing at the U.S. Open. Completing his efforts in this milestone season was the gold medal for Team USA at the Motocross des Nations.

This year’s U.S. Open was to be Kawasaki superstar James Stewart’s début race in the premier class, but the evening before the race he got sick and withdrew from the event. The emerging Stewart, who captured three wins during the supercross season despite a broken arm suffered in Phoenix just two races into the year, was a heavy favorite for the U.S. Open title.

Former two-time U.S. Open winner Chad Reed also sat on the sidelines due to an injured foot. Carmichael’s biggest challenge would be the Suzuki RMZ 450 four-stroke motorcycle, which he, or any of the other top riders, had never raced indoors...

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