AMA: Supercross Returns to Tampa
24 February 1998
R98015 February 23, 1998 For Immediate Release A MID-SEASON NIGHT'S DREAM AT TAMPA SUPERCROSS WESTERVILLE, Ohio --It's been two years gone, but well worth the wait. On Feb. 28, the Thor/Parts Unlimited AMA Supercross Series will return to Tampa, Fla., at Houlihan's Stadium. And if patience has its rewards, then Tampa fans are about to get their rightful due. Perhaps, they'll witness Jeremy McGrath as he leads the Chaparral Yamaha team into battle and takes yet another leap forward in a quest to reclaim his title as the King of Supercross. Tampa fans will also look on as one of their own, Floridian Ricky Carmichael, the Crown Prince of the 125cc east division, ascends to a throne of his own. The circumstances make for much ado in Tampa. McGrath, of Menifee, Calif., reigned as Supercross champion from 1993-1996. Switching teams before prior to the 1997 season brought disappointment for McGrath and his fans, though he earned honors as the runner-up for the 1997 Supercross title. McGrath returned to the 1998 Supercross season with a new team, Yamaha, and a new focus. But this year, things are different. Having won four of the past seven rounds, McGrath is clearly setting a pace that others can't match. He has a 53-point lead over his closest competitor, series second-place rider Kevin Windham, of Baton Rouge, La. Round three of the 1998 AMA 125cc Eastern Region Supercross series will provide added drama for Tampa fans. This year, fans are sure to be watching Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael, of Havana, Fla., won the 1997 125cc National Motocross Championship title for Kawasaki. Carmichael has already won the first two rounds of the 1998 125cc Eastern Region Supercross Series, and a win in Tampa would give Carmichael the superiority he needs to rule the remainder of the Eastern Region Supercross season. Tickets for the Tampa Supercross are available at (813) 297-8844. A list of past Tampa winners follows. HOULIHAN'S STADIUM Tampa, FL 250cc Supercross Date Winner, hometown Machine April 6, 1996 Jeremy McGrath, Menifee, CA Honda February 12, 1994 Michael Craig, Lakeside, CA Yamaha February 13, 1993 Jeremy McGrath, Murietta, CA Honda March 28, 1992 Jean-Michel Bayle, France Honda April 28, 1990 Jean-Michel Bayle, France Honda March 25, 1989 Jeff Ward, Mission Viejo, CA Kawasaki April 23, 1988 Rick Johnson, El Cajon, CA Honda April 25, 1987 Jeff Ward, Mission Viejo, CA Kawasaki 125cc Supercross Date Winner, hometown Machine April 6, 1996 Mickael Pichon, France Kawasaki February 12, 1994 Ezra Lusk, Bainbridge, GA Suzuki February 13, 1993 Chad Pederson, Fort Dodge, IA Yamaha March 28, 1992 Brain Swink, Linden, MI Suzuki April 28, 1990 Tallon Vohland, Independence, MO Kawasaki March 25, 1989 Mike Kiedrowski, Canyon Country, CA Honda April 23, 1988 Todd DeHoop, Hudsonville, MI Suzuki April 25, 1987 Keith Turpin, Forest Park, GA Suzuki -30-