RC reflects on special championship, will run #1.

Ricky Carmichael wrapped up an unprecedented fifth consecutive AMA 250 Motocross Championship with victory on Sunday at Steel City Raceway.

However, the 24-year-old Honda hero not only claimed the championship, but also continued his season long winning steak to 11 events so far; he will try for an unparalleled second undefeated season in the final round at Glen Helen Raceway this coming Sunday.

RC reflects on special championship, will run #1.

Ricky Carmichael wrapped up an unprecedented fifth consecutive AMA 250 Motocross Championship with victory on Sunday at Steel City Raceway.

However, the 24-year-old Honda hero not only claimed the championship, but also continued his season long winning steak to 11 events so far; he will try for an unparalleled second undefeated season in the final round at Glen Helen Raceway this coming Sunday.

For Carmichael, this year's championship was especially sweet since he accomplished it coming back from major injury and riding a new motorcycle.

"Everything about this year's championship was really special," he said. "My goal was to come back even stronger after my knee surgery and I think I achieved that.

"I also went through the early part of the season winning while I was still learning to ride the four-stroke. I think the competition I faced this year was the best of any season I've won the title so it's very satisfying to get this championship," he added.

RC's 2004 250cc championship is the latest addition to the most impressive racing resume in AMA Motocross racing history. After a excellent amateur career, Carmichael came into the pro ranks and promptly earned the AMA Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year honours in 1996, having earned enough points for the award in just a single event. He then came into the 125 class and won three straight AMA National Motocross titles in addition to a 125 East Region Supercross title.

In 2000 Carmichael moved up to the 250 class and began his current championship winning streak in AMA Motocross. Along the way he picked up three AMA Supercross titles. Perhaps the most amazing statistic of Carmichael's nine-year professional racing career is the fact that he's never failed to defend a title in a series in which he competed.

Additionally, Carmichael is the all-time wins leader in combined AMA Motocross and Supercross victories with 107 wins. He also leads the 250 motocross category with 48-career wins so far - over 20 wins more than Bob Hannah. Carmichael has also twice been named AMA Pro Athlete of the Year (2001/2002).

Carmichael, who has always opted to run his trademark #4, will honour his successful association with Honda by running the #1 plate at the final race of the year this weekend at Glen Helen. Carmichael, who rode for Kawasaki from 1996 through 2001, has signed with Suzuki for next season.

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