The Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series returns to Angel Stadium in Anaheim with the opening two rounds doing little to separate the championship's 'Big Three' of Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and James Stewart.
After winning last weekend in Phoenix, Carmichael tied Stewart for the early series lead, while Reed's pair of runner-up finishes leaves him just a single point from top spot.
The showdown between Carmichael, Reed and Stewart was highly anticipated last year, but fell apart when Stewart went down with an injury. However, it seems to finally be coming to fruition in 2006, with all three riders at the peak of their abilities and wanting badly to come out on top.
Carmichael rode a picture perfect race at Chase Field last week to score his first win of 2006, and looked more ecstatic than after any win in recent memory.
"I am so proud of the team," said the defending champion, whose victory at Phoenix marked the first AMA Supercross win for Suzuki's four-stroke RM-Z450, "We've been making the bike better every week and it all came together in Phoenix. 'Bubba' is the rider to beat right now - I'm the old dog out here trying to build some momentum."
Carmichael had good reason to be happy, as his Phoenix win was his first in AMA Supercross since March of last year, when he took the victory in St Louis. This weekend, however, he comes to Anaheim this weekend the defending winner of Anaheim II, the second annual round in the California city.
Stewart won the opening round of the AMA Supercross Series in Anaheim a couple of weeks ago, but a fall in a first-turn traffic jam in Phoenix put him in last place, before he charged his Kawasaki all the way up to third by the chequered flag.
"The crash was tough but, overall, I'm not too disappointed," Stewart said, "I got on the box and am still strong in the points. I'm so motivated right now. I can't wait for Anaheim II."
