Carmichael in doubt for Motocross of Nations.

AMA Supercross and Motocross champion Ricky Carmichael is on the road to recovery after crashing in the first moto, at the final round of the AMA Toyota Motocross at Glen Helen Raceway on Sunday - but his Motocross of Nations attendance remains in the balance.

"I'd just made the pass for the lead and was going through a bumpy, fast section of the track and just messed up," said Carmichael of his fall. "I jumped up as quickly as possible and when I tried to pick up my bike, I realised that my shoulder was hurt. I could barely pick the bike up and when I finally did, I couldn't pull in the clutch. My mind was racing because, for the first time in a really long time, I realised that I couldn't continue the race. Right now, I am doing everything possible to get this shoulder ready to go. If I can't ride at the Motocross of Nations, I hope everyone will give their full support to the rider that is chosen to replace me. I'm so disappointed that this has happened."

After the crash, Carmichael - due to retire from full time racing at the end of this season - was treated by the Asterisk Mobile Medical Unit and then flew home to Tallahassee, Florida where he got an MRI. Initial results show some damage that doctors say will not require surgery.

It is estimated that Carmichael will need at least three weeks of rehab - and the British-based Motocross of Nations takes place on September 24.

"It's too bad this had to happen right before the Motocross of Nations," said Makita Suzuki Team Manager Roger DeCoster. "He wants to go, but he's hurt. Right now, we're just thankful for another great season with Ricky and for the two Championships he's brought home to Suzuki."

Overall, Carmichael has 15 AMA title and 17 career titles. He is also the only rider to celebrate two perfect seasons in AMA 250cc Motocross and a perfect season in AMA 125cc Supercross.

With ten-times world champion Stefan Everts also retiring at the end of 2006, the Motocross of Nations is/was to see the final clash between the two most successful riders in motocross history.