Team Makita Suzuki Racing's Ricky Carmichael Clinches AMA Motocross Championship with One Round Remaining

DELMONT, Pa., Sept. 4 -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is excited to announce that Team Makita Suzuki Racing's Ricky Carmichael captured his sixth consecutive AMA Motocross Championship at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa., on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2005. With one round remaining in the 12-round series, Carmichael and his Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 finished first overall to clinch the championship.

"I'm doing something I love to do," said Carmichael after winning the '05 title. "I don't know what to say, except the wins keep coming, I've had great career and I'll try to get as many more as I can. I love it and appreciate it and thanks to all my sponsors. I know that when I signed with Makita Suzuki, I didn't know it was going to be as good as it has been. I was confident in my abilities and in the team and you've just got to give it up for Makita Suzuki."

This championship is Suzuki's first 250 AMA Motocross Championship since 1999 and follows Carmichael's clinching the 2005 THQ AMA Supercross Championship in May this year, as well as his first THQ World Supercross GP in April. Carmichael is the first rider to ever win all three titles in one year.

"I can't say enough about how proud Suzuki is to have Ricky riding the RM- Z450," said Mel Harris, ASMC's Vice President of the Motorcycle/ATV Division. "We signed him at the beginning of the year knowing what kind of champion he is and the amazing work ethic that he has. It's been a joy to work with him this season and we truly appreciate his bringing home the 250 Motocross Championship to Suzuki."

Carmichael, who signed this year with Team Makita Suzuki Racing for the 2005-2006 seasons, now claims a combined 13 AMA Supercross/Motocross Championships. With just one round of AMA Motocross to go for 2005, Carmichael is undefeated and has won all 11 events and a combined 126 SX/MX career victories so far.