AMA 125cc National MotoCross Champion: Ricky Carmichael
20 August 1997
R97094 August 20, 1997 For Immediate Release CARMICHAEL NEW CHAMPION OF AMA 125CC NATIONAL MOTOCROSS WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Ricky Carmichael, the 17-year-old motocross phenom from Havana, Fla., already is fulfilling much of the promise he showed in his illustrious amateur racing career. In his first full year of professional racing Carmichael has clinched the 1997 American Motorcyclist Association 125cc National Motocross Championship in spectacular fashion by winning both motos at the August 17 National at Washougal, Wash. Carmichael was so dominant this year that he secured the title with two races remaining on the schedule. Carmichael now adds the 125cc No. 1 plate to a trophy case that already is full of momentos from a record nine AMA Amateur National Championships and his 1996 AMA National Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year honors. Carmichael earned the rookie award based on the points he earned in his pro racing debut at Delmont, Pa., last September. It was his lone pro race in 1996. Not only has Carmichael accomplished the feat of winning the title in his first full year of pro racing, he's overcome a number of crashes and injuries, the results of a fearless riding style which sometimes gets him in trouble. Carmichael, who rides for the powerful Pro Circuit Kawasaki team, made his presence known from the very beginning of the season when he won the 125cc motocross season opener in Gainesville, Fla., beating defending champion Steve Lamson and Yamaha's young star, Kevin Windham. Carmichael then proved that his opening-round victory was no fluke by winning the next two races with perfect 1-1 moto finishes at Sacramento and San Bernardino, Calif. Young Carmichael continued to give inspired performances throughout the season, winning seven of the first 11 races and being seen by many observers as one of the most aggressive riders in the history of the series. With two races left on the schedule, Carmichael still has a chance of tying Steve Lamson's 125cc motocross record of nine wins in a single season. -30- Connie Fleming American Motorcyclist Association Public Relations Administrator http://www.ama-cycle.org