Ricky Carmichael has stretched his AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF winning streak to two-years and this Sunday, July 31, Carmichael returns to Washougal Motocross Park, the track where he last tasted defeat in the championship.
It was two-years ago at Washougal that Kevin Windham took the win over Carmichael. Astoundingly, since that July of 2003 loss, Carmichael has gone undefeated, winning a record setting 22 nationals in a row.
When asked about coming back to Washougal, Carmichael didn’t seem too worried. After all, the Makita Suzuki rider has won the Washougal 250 National three times, more than any other rider in the history of the race, and is the defending race winner.
Even though he would like to keep his winning streak alive at Washougal, Carmichael says he realises that fans may be ready to see a new winner.
"That’s what makes NASCAR so exciting, you never know who’s going to win from week to week," said Carmichael, who enjoys a 77-point lead over rival Windham. "I’d like to have the championship over tomorrow to minimise anything that can happen, but I feel like I’m ready for the rest of the season. Kevin always goes good at Washougal and I’m sure he’s going to give me a strong challenge there."
Windham is a two time Washougal 250 National winner. The likeable Amsoil Chaparral Honda rider from Mississippi has long considered the Pacific Northwest circuit one of his favourites.
"That part of the country is so beautiful," Windham said. "Washougal is a wonderful setting for a motocross track. Something about that track always seems to bring out the best in my riding. I feel like I’ve been improving a lot in the last few weeks and the next step is to win one of these things."
Windham has made a solid second-half push in the championship race and moved into second in the standings.
Australian Chad Reed is battling Windham for second in the 250 championship, but says he hasn’t been at his best of late. "I just don’t feel like I’m riding the way I can," Reed said. "I need to push myself to come out of this slump. Hopefully that will happen soon."
Reed was runner-up to Carmichael at Washougal last year.
Kawasaki’s James Stewart suffered a concussion at Unadilla a couple weeks ago, but hopes to return to action this weekend. Stewart won the 125 class at Washougal three straight times, establishing a new race record.
