AMA Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael raced to two straight race wins in Sunday's penultimate round at Steel City Raceway.
Carmichael, who clinched his 10th AMA Motocross Championship last time out, made it look easy on a track that had been soaked the previous day by a local rain storm, cruising to a sweep of both motos. RC continues to rewrite the record book as the 26-year old registered a record 70th AMA Motocross overall win.
Kawasaki’s James Stewart, the only rider to beat Carmichael this season, turned in a solid 2-2 performance for second overall while Honda’s Kevin Windham was third with 3-4 finishes.
"It’s been amazing and I appreciate everything that’s happened in my career," said Carmichael, who made his professional debut at Steel City Raceway in 1996. "I’ve been so busy (throughout out my career) and pulled at all angles, so I can look back and really enjoy what I’ve accomplished."
In addition to the race win, Carmichael also clinched the Monster Energy/Kawasaki Triple Crown of Motocross top prize of $30,000 and a Kawasaki KLX110, which is awarded to the Motocross class rider who takes home the overall win at the following Toyota AMA Motocross Championship rounds: High Point; Red Bud; and Steel City.
In the Motocross Lites class, Carmichael's Suzuki team-mate Broc Hepler also continued his winning ways with a crowd-pleasing moto sweep. Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto finished second with a 3-2 moto results to extend his lead to 29 points over KTM’s Mike Alessi, who finished fifth (6-4). Honda’s Josh Grant was third (2-3).
The Toyota AMA Motocross Championship, presented by FMF, heads west for the season finale on September 10 for the Giant RV Glen Helen National in San Bernardino, California – Carmichael's last race as a full time AMA rider.
