Ricky Carmichael secured his fifth consecutive AMA 250cc Motocross title on Sunday at Steel City Raceway, the Honda hero wrapping up the crown one round early after continuing his perfect winning streak – which now stands at 11 events.
However, Carmichael’s win was just one of the highlights of a historic weekend of racing at Steel City which also saw James Stewart set a new record for all-time AMA 125cc wins, Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath make a hugely popular return to the series for the first time in over four years - and young gun Mike Alessi score his first podium finish, in only his second pro race.
Carmichael, as usual, was flawless. He led every lap of both 250-class motos after avoiding a first turn pile-up in race one – which claimed Chad Reed, McGrath, Alessi and others – then rocketing away to an easy win.
In the second outing, Reed hung with the 24-year-old for a few laps before steadily dropping away from the #4’s rear wheel.
"This winter I just sat in front of the TV watching supercross and dreaming about getting back to this point," said Carmichael, who sat out this winter’s AMA Supercross Series after having knee surgery. "I want to thank everyone who helped me get to this point. Winning five straight 250 championships is something I never imagined I could do when I started racing."
Carmichael is the only rider in AMA racing history to win five straight motocross titles. In 2002 he also became the only one to go an entire season undefeated. If Carmichael wins the final round of the championship next Sunday in San Bernardino, he will complete an incredible second perfect season.
Meanwhile, Kevin Windham scored his seventh podium of the year with 2-3 finishes, and so closed to within six points of Reed for second in the standings.
