Ricky Carmichael continued his early domination of the 2005 AMA Supercross Series by winning his third race in a row on Saturday night at SBC Park, San Francisco - but only after overcoming reigning AMA champion Chad Reed.
Yamaha rider Reed earned the $1,500 Butterfinger Crisp Holeshot Award with Honda’s Mike LaRocco and Suzuki mounted Carmichael in tow. Carmichael settled into second place on lap 2 and followed Reed until lap 8 where he passed the Australian in the whoops section.
Reed came back at the Floridian in the following three turns but was shut out. From there on, Carmichael delivered consistent lap times - his fastest of the night was a 45.9secs circulation set on the 13th lap - and increased his lead in the process.
At the halfway stage the #4 was two-seconds clear of Reed and by lap 17 that had been extended to five-seconds, which RC then held until the flag. LaRocco went on to complete the podium with third.
"This is what the fans wanted to see," said Carmichael. "I had to chase Chad and earn the win tonight, and I am very happy with my performance. I have a lot of respect for Chad. I had a great time and we had some good clean racing tonight.
"I stayed with him and let the race come to me and when he started making a few mistakes, I made my move to the front. He almost got back by me but I closed the door and did what I had to do to win.
"I feel my Suzuki is the best bike out there. It was important for me and the team to win tonight and everyone got what they wanted. But it’s a long series, so I can’t get too excited. I need to keep my head on and finish the season strong," concluded Ricky, who is now 16-points clear of Kevin Windham in the AMA championship and 26-points ahead of LaRocco in the World Supercross GP series.
Meanwhile, in the 125cc West championship, Honda’s Billy Laninovich won his first main event on a night that saw Broc Hepler’s championship hopes disappear - the factory Suzuki rider breaking his arm in the opening heat. It's likely that the 18 year old will be out of action for several weeks.
