Motocross Career
In 2000, Carmichael jumped to the 250 class full-time. He was much more consistent this year with regular top 5 finishes, including his first win at Daytona. He finished 5th overall behind eventual champion Jeremy McGrath; the latter's final title. Outdoors, Carmichael had no such trouble adapting the bigger bike and was the class of the field. He had some close battles with Sebastien Tortelli, but ended up winning the 250 National Championship in his first try.
By 2001, Carmichael had showed a new commitment to his fitness and preparation. After some early series battles with McGrath, Carmichael took a chokehold of the points lead and won 13 out of 15 Supercross races as well as the championship. After another battle with Tortelli and Kevin Windham outdoors, Carmichael won that title again as well.
Carmichael switched to Honda for 2002. He suffered a horrendous endo at round one of Supercross; earning no points. He mounted a furious comeback by winning 11 races from 16 and the title over David Vuillemin.
Ricky accomplished something that year previously thought impossible. He won all 24 motos of the 2002 National season.
Read more about this topic: Ricky Carmichael
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