AMA Motocross Preview: Steel City Raceway
25 August 1997
CHAMPION AMA MOTOCROSSERS BLAST INTO STEEL CITY R97096 August 25, 1997 For Immediate Release WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Newly-crowned American Motorcyclist Association National Motocross champions Jeff Emig (250cc) and Ricky Carmichael (125cc) will headline a cast of hundreds as the nations top motocross racers converge on Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Penn., this Sunday for the final round of the 1997 AMA National Motocross Series. Emig, 26, will be remembered by Steel City fans for winning the 250cc National title last year at Delmont in dramatic fashion by winning the event over rival Jeremy McGrath in the final moto. This year, Emig will be able to ride carefree on his factory Kawasaki--since he wrapped up his third-straight AMA National title last weekend in Binghamton, N.Y., by finishing second to Yamaha's John Dowd. Dowd will also be one of the favorites to win his first Steel City AMA National. Dowd, the oldest regular on the circuit at 32, has been one of the big surprises of the year. Dowd was spectacular last week in Binghamton, coming from way back in the field in the first moto to win over Emig. The Chicopee, Mass., rider went on to win the second moto and earn his third 250cc outdoor national victory of the season, making this his best year ever in the 250cc class. One of the favorites of the Steel City crowd will be Damon Bradshaw. The Manchester Honda rider was swamped by enthusiastic fans when he won the High Point AMA 250cc National in Mt. Morris, Pa. Memorial Day weekend. Jeremy McGrath, a past 250cc winner at Steel City, is hoping to win his first outdoor national of the season in the season finale. A victory at Steel City would set a great tone for McGrath in preparation for the 1998 AMA Supercross season, which opens in January. The other champion racing at Steel City is 17-year-old sensation Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael has dominated the 125cc series this year, winning eight of the 12 races leading into the season finale, including another win in New York last Sunday. Steel City holds special meaning to Carmichael. It was at the Pennsylvania track that he made his pro racing debut last September. Carmichael's eighth-place finish at Steel City gave him enough points to be awarded the 1996 AMA Motocross Rookie of the Year Award. Even though he already owns the 125cc title, don't expect Carmichael to relax. The young Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider will try to go out on a winning note. Defending Steel City 125cc winner, Kevin Windham and '95 winner Steve Lamson, will be Carmichael's main adversaries. PAST WINNERS STEEL CITY RACEWAY Delmont, PA 250 cc Motocross Date Winner, Hometown Machine September 1, 1996 Jeff Emig, Riverside, CA Kawasaki September 3, 1995 Jeremy McGrath, Murietta, CA Honda September 4, 1994 Mike LaRocco, South Bend, IN Kawasaki 125cc Motocross Date Winner, Hometown Machine September 1, 1996 Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, LA Yamaha Sept. 3, 1995 Steve Lamson, Pollock Pines, CA Honda Sept. 4, 1994 Robbie Reynard, Moore, OK Kawasaki Sept. 5, 1993 Robbie Reynard, Moore, OK Kawasaki September 27, 1992 Jeff Emig, Highland, CA Yamaha September 29, 1991 Guy Cooper, Stillwater, OK Suzuki September 30, 1990 Mike Kiedrowski, Canyon Country, CA Honda October 1, 1989 Jeff Matiasevich, LaHabra Heights, CA Kawasaki -30- Connie Fleming American Motorcyclist Association Public Relations Administrator http://www.ama-cycle.org 614-891-2425