Ricky Carmichael has claimed his second consecutive AMA Supercross Series win in front of a sold out crowd at round three of the 2005 championship, held at this year’s second visit to Angel Stadium, Anaheim.
Suzuki rider Ricky gained the lead early by winning the $1,500 Butterfinger Holeshot Award and holding off reigning AMA champion Chad Reed. On lap 6, the Yamaha rider crashed, allowing Carmichael to extend his lead. Reed would recover to finish second.
Meanwhile, seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath had rallied to third place on lap 7, but eventually finished the race fifth after Honda’s Kevin Windham, who came into this race with the AMA points lead, moved into third late in the race and Windham’s team-mate Mike LaRocco took fourth.
“I was ready to do battle tonight,” said Carmichael, who now leads both the World Supercross GP and AMA Supercross series. “I know that this isn’t the way I like to win, but after that first race in Anaheim, this city owes me one. I have to keep on this roll and continue to stretch out my points lead.”
Meanwhile, in the 125cc West coast championship, Suzuki’s Ryan Sipes, won the Holeshot Award with KTM’s Jay Marmont in tow. Last week’s winner, Broc Hepler, moved into second place on lap 3 but crashed quickly after pursuing Sipes.
Honda’s Andrew Short then moved into the lead on lap six, but reigning champion Ivan Tedesco shot past Short on lap 10 and held on for his first win of the season.
“It feels like my first race win because it has been a tough season so far,” said Kawasaki star Tedesco. “My starts have been horrible all year and tonight was no different. I had to ride through the pack but it all worked out.”
Honda’s Thomas Hahn was assessed a penalty for jumping a double under the red caution flag. He was moved from fourth place to fifth place.
Racing moves back to San Francisco’s SBC Park next Saturday, January 29 for round four of the AMA Supercross series and round six of the World SX GP championship.
Results - 250cc AMA Supercross/World SX GP:
1. Ricky Carmichael- Suzuki
2. Chad Reed - Yamaha
3. Kevin Windham - Honda
4. Mike LaRocco - Honda
5. Jeremy McGrath - Honda
6. Nick Wey - Honda
7. Sebastien Tortelli - Suzuki
8. Michael Byrne - Kawasaki
9. Ernesto Fonseca - Honda
10. Heath Voss - Yamaha
