A legendary motocross champion with 15 titles, including two perfect seasons, and widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
Known as "The Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) in the world of motocross, Ricky Carmichael is an American former professional motocross and stock car racing driver who has left an indelible mark on the sport. With an unprecedented 15 AMA championships and 150 wins to his name, Carmichael is widely regarded as one of the most successful motocross riders of all time.
Born on November 27, 1979, in Clearwater, Florida, Carmichael's love affair with motocross began at a young age. He started riding at just three years old and was competing in local and national events by the time he was 10. His impressive amateur career earned him numerous accolades, including multiple AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships.
Carmichael made his professional debut in 1997 with the Splitfire Pro Circuit Kawasaki team, where he showed promising speed, winning multiple main events in his rookie Supercross effort. However, crashes and inconsistency ultimately cost him the title to Suzuki's Tim Ferry. Outdoors, Carmichael was more consistent, beating defending champion Steve Lamson for the overall win at round 1, and went on to win the overall 125cc title.
In 1998, Carmichael proved his ability to dominate indoors as well, winning all 8 of the 125cc East coast Supercross rounds, as well as the East-West Shoot-Out event. Outdoors, he defended his title comfortably despite early challenges from Lamson, John Dowd, and Mike Brown. In 1999, Carmichael jumped to the 250 class for Supercross, where he continued to dominate, winning multiple championships and solidifying his reputation as the best motocross rider of his generation.
In 2008, Carmichael made the transition to stock car racing, competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World East Series for Ken Schrader Racing. He also made select starts in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Although he didn't achieve the same level of success as he did in motocross, Carmichael's NASCAR career was marked by steady improvement and a handful of top-10 finishes.
Ricky Carmichael's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of championships and wins. He is widely credited with popularizing motocross in the United States and inspiring a generation of riders. His influence on modern motocross is still felt today, with many top riders citing him as an inspiration and role model.
In 2015, Carmichael was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. Today, he remains involved in the motocross community, working as an analyst for Fox Sports' coverage of the AMA Supercross and Motocross Championships.
Outside of racing, Carmichael is a devoted husband and father of two. He is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time. Carmichael is known for his down-to-earth personality and has been involved in various charitable initiatives throughout his career, including working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
In conclusion, Ricky Carmichael's remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for motocross. As "The GOAT," he has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless riders and cementing his place as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time.
41 Years Old
A legendary motorcycle racer and daredevil, known for his fearless stunts and record-breaking jumps, pushing the limits of speed and danger in the world of motorsports.
52 Years Old
A legendary motocross rider with seven AMA Supercross championships, known for his dominant racing career and iconic style.