AMA National Motocross Preview: Binghamton
20 August 1997
R97092 August 20, 1997 For Immediate Release EMIG ON THE VERGE ON WINNING HIS SECOND AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT BINGHAMTON WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- One year ago, Jeff Emig was known primarily as the rider who could occasionaly beat the great Jeremy McGrath. But these days Emig plays second fiddle to no one. Emig started his streak in the final race to win the 1996 American Motorcyclist Association 250cc National Motocross Championship, when he beat McGrath, and then, this year, Emig broke McGrath's string of four AMA Supercross titles by winning that championship in May. This Saturday at Binghamton, New York's, Broome-Tioga Sports Center, Emig is set to race his Kawasaki to his third straight AMA National title in the span of less than a year. In order to win this year's AMA 250cc National Motocross Championship, Emig needs only to finish in the top 20 in either of the two motos. The only rider who even has the slightest mathematical chance of catching Emig is Yamaha's John Dowd. The 32-year-old Dowd, one of the oldest regulars on the circuit, has had a spectacular year, surprising motocross fans by winning two 250cc nationals. The 1994 Binghamton winner could make this year his best ever in the 250cc series if he could win again this weekend. Two-time Binghamton 250cc winner McGrath is third in the standings coming into Sunday's race. The Suzuki rider's season has been solid by most riders' standards, but sub-par for a champion of McGrath's status. McGrath be shooting for his first outdoor national win of the season. If he does come out on top, McGrath will be the first rider ever to win three straight nationals at Binghamton. Sunday will also mark the first chance to watch newly crowned 125cc National Champ Ricky Carmichael. Even though the 17-year-old Floridian already has the title, he still has much to race for. Carmichael still has the chance to match Steve Lamson's 1996 record nine wins in one season in the 125cc class. Kevin Windham will try to defend his 125cc Binghamton title. Windham is about the only rider to make a dent in steamroller Carmichael. The Yamaha rider has two 125cc victories this season. PAST WINNERS BROOME-TIOGA SPORTS CENTER Binghamton, NY 250cc Motocross August 25, 1996 Jeremy McGrath, Menifee, CA Honda August 27, 1995 Jeremy McGrath, Murietta, CA Honda August 28, 1994 John Dowd, Chicopee, MA Yamaha July 28, 1985 Johnny O'Mara, Gardnerville, NV Honda July 22, 1984 Rick Johnson, El Cajon, CA Yamaha June 5, 1983 Bob Hannah, Carson City, NV Honda 125cc Motocross August 25, 1996 Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, LA Yamaha August 27, 1995 Steve Lamson, Pollock Pines, CA Honda August 28, 1994 Doug Henry, Oxford, CT Honda August 29, 1993 Doug Henry, Oxford, CT Honda August 30, 1992 Jeff Emig, Highland, CA Yamaha September 22, 1991 Mike LaRocco, La Porte, IN Kawasaki September 2, 1990 Mike Kiedrowski, Canyon Country, CA Honda September 24, 1989 Damon Bradshaw, Charlotte, NC Yamaha July 10, 1988 Guy Cooper, Stillwater, OK Honda August 2, 1987 George Holland, Kerman, CA Suzuki August 3, 1986 Eddie Warren, Clio, MI Kawasaki July 28, 1985 Ron Lechien, El Cajon, CA Honda July 22, 1984 Jeff Ward, Mission Viejo, CA Kawasaki June 5, 1983 Mark Barnett, Bridgeview, IL Suzuki June 27, 1982 Johnny O'Mara, Canyon Country, CA Honda June 28, 1981 Mark Barnett, Bridgeview, IL Suzuki August 24, 1980 Mark Barnett, Bridgeview, IL Suzuki -30- Connie Fleming American Motorcyclist Association Public Relations Administrator http://www.ama-cycle.org