Reigning AMA champion and 2006 series leader Ricky Carmichael has never lost a Motocross class race at Millville - but may face his biggest challenge yet in the form of Kawasaki ace James Stewart.
After struggling to match RC in recent rounds, Stewart beat Carmichael two weeks ago in Washougal during one of the best battles seen so far this year. Stewart came out on top after the two raced wheel to wheel for much of both motos, with Carmichael winning the first, but suffering a crash in the second moto.
"The way I lost Washougal was disappointing," Carmichael said. "Life goes on. All I can do is regroup and come back strong at Millville."
For Stewart, his second victory of the season was a great comeback from an injury-plagued season. Stewart is a three-time winner at Millville in what is now called the Motocross Lites class. This will mark his first appearance at Millville in the premier class.
Yamaha’s Chad Reed is second in the standings to Carmichael. Like Stewart, he has been battling injuries and the two weeks between Washougal and Millville should benefit the hard-charging Australian. He would love to give Yamaha its first Millville National win since 1994.
AMA Motocross class rookie Davi Millsaps has scored four podium finishes leading up to Millville and has finished as high as second. He’ll be another rider to watch this weekend as will fellow Honda rider Kevin Windham.
The race for the championship couldn’t get much tighter than it is in the AMA Motocross Lites.
Red Bull KTM rider Mike Alessi held the series lead, lost it, and won it back again after earning his seventh podium in eight starts two weeks ago.
Ryan Villopoto had a tough time at Washougal and lost the series lead after the motor on his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki failed in the first moto. Even though he lost the series lead, Villopoto is only three points back to Alessi in the standings, so a victory at Spring Creek MX Park would put him back on top in the standings.
