On September 10th, 2006, I had the pleasure of seeing the man with the best record in the history of motorcycle racing in his final race as a full time racer. I am speaking, of course, about Ricky Carmichael, 14 time AMA Supercross and Outdoor Motocross National Champion, age 26. He turned pro in 1996 at 16 and has not lost an outdoor titles since(he didn't race a full schedule in 96 because he wasn't old enough till the end of the season, so 97 was his first actual title). He has ten outdoor titles, three in the 125(now called "motocross lites") class and seven in the 250(now called "motocross") class, and six Supercross titles, one in the 125 class and five in the premier class. He has ridden for Kawasaki, Honda and is currently with Suzuki. When he won both motos at Delmont, Pa a few weeks ago, it marked his 70th overall outdoor vitory. In 2002 "RC", as he is affectionately known, did what no other motorsports racer had ever done. He won EVERY race that year. 12 races, 12 overall wins,24 motos, 24 wins(each race consists of two motos, best score from combined motos wins overall). The return of Kevin Winham in 2003 kept RC from winning three motos that year. In 2004 RC injured his knee in pre-season practice and sat the entire Supercross season out, healing and training for the outdoor season. When it came around, RC had another perfect year outdoors. He is, by far, the most popular rider in America, and possibly the world. Last year at the Motocross des Nations(kind of a World Cup of Motocross)in France, where Motocross racers are national heroes, RC was mobbed(as were Kevin Windham and Ivan Tedesco, the other team members)everytime he was seen. He handily won the motose he raced in, spanking Belgiums ten time World Champion, Stefan Everts.

The race I attented a few weeks ago was at Glen Helen in San Bernardino, and unfortunately, RC went down while leading teh first moto and injured his left shoulder keeping him from racing the second moto. It will also keep him from representing America along with James Stewart(RC's heir apparent and the first black champion in motorsports history)and the rookie phenom, Ryan Villipoto. It was a bummer not to be able to see RC whack the competition, but that's racing(James Stewart smoked the pack after RC's crash). RC will race a "limited" schedule in 2007 and I hope Glen Helen is one of them. I would like to see him again.

They say that records are meant to be broken, but like Richard Petty's record of 200 NASCAR wins, it is unlikely that anyone will eclipse the marks that RC set. It isn't just his speed, but it's his heart that makes him the champion he is. He admits that he is not the most naturally talented or fastest rider out there, but his training program, his willingness to hang it out on the edge and his dedication over the years have put him a step above the rest of the pack. It is hard to imagine another rider doing that long enough to catch him.

I have been involved in motocross since 1974 as a racer and a fan and have never seen anyone do what needs to be done to win like RC has. I have seen him racing both Supercross(in stadiums) and outdoors on a few occasions and I have always been impressed. It is only since his comeback from knee surgery that I have really become a big fan of his, mostly because everyone wrote him off that year, and I will miss seeing him dancing his RMZ450 around the tracks on OLN and Speedchannel.

Good luck and Godspeed RC. Motocross is a better sport because of you!