Ricky Carmichael continued his 100% AMA Motocross win record this season by taking victory in round five, at Red Bud Track ‘n Trail, on Sunday.
The Honda rider dominated both motos on his 450cc four-stroke, while fellow Red Rider Kevin Windham claimed second courtesy of 3-2 finishes. Supercross champ Chad Reed matched Windham on points with 2-3 results on his factory Yamaha, but was credited with third overall due to his lower race two result.
"The track was really tough today," said Carmichael, now 20-points clear of nearest title rival Reed. "Kevin and Chad rode great races, but I was able to keep a strong pace all the way through both motos. I saw some dark clouds and was a bit worried about rain, but fortunately everything turned out OK."
"It’s frustrating because Ricky is checking out of these races," admitted Windham, who’d been tipped to challenge the reigning champ this season. "He’s getting away early and we just can’t run him down. I’m going to have to work on coming ready to race off the gate to have a chance to run with him. I like Unadilla so hopefully we can turn things around there."
However, while the premier 250cc class saw a predictable result, the competitive 125cc series did deliver a shock as James 'Bubba' Stewart’s unbeaten run came to a literally crashing halt.
Stewart fell at the start of moto two, after easily winning the first, and while he soon re-mounted the Kawasaki star would fall again – forcing him to retire with mechanical problems. It was his first defeat since returning from injury at Budds Creek last season.
Bubba’s exit left the way clear for a new winner, and former champion Mike Brown (lower pic) would win his first race in over a year by taking race two victory, having been second to Stewart in the first outing.
"Obviously it’s too bad for Bubba that he had problems," began Brown. "Fortunately I was in the position to take advantage and get the win. It feels great to get up here on the top of the podium. I hope it doesn’t take me anther year to do it again."
David Millsaps and Josh Grant each earned their first national podium finishes after taking second and third respectively.
The series moves to Unadilla in two weeks time.
