MOTOCROSS 1

Front page thumbnail by Matt Francis

AMA MOTOCROSS PRESS RELEASE

DELMONT, Pa. (September 3, 2006) - Suzuki's Ricky Carmichael put on another riding clinic today in capturing his ninth win of the season at the Monster Energy/Kawasaki Steel City National, round 11 of the 12-race Toyota AMA Motocross Championship. Suzuki's Broc Hepler picked up his third straight AMA Motocross Lites overall win.

Carmichael, who clinched his 10th AMA Motocross Championship last round, made it look easy on a track that had been soaked the previous day by a local rain storm, cruising to a sweep of both motos. He continues to rewrite the record book as the 26-year old from Tallahassee, Fla. registered a record 70th AMA Motocross overall win.

Kawasaki's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., turned in a solid 2-2 performance, good for second overall. Honda's Kevin Windham, of Centreville, Miss., was third (3-4).

"It's been amazing and I appreciate everything that's happened in my career," said Carmichael, who made his professional debut at Steel City Raceway in 1996. "I've been so busy (throughout out my career) and pulled at all angles, so I can look back and really enjoy what I've accomplished."

In addition to the race win, Carmichael also clinched the Monster Energy/Kawasaki Triple Crown of Motocross top prize of $30,000 and a Kawasaki KLX110, which is awarded to the Motocross class rider who takes home the overall win at the following three rounds: Mt. Morris, Pa.; Buchanan, Mich.; and Delmont, Pa.

Hepler, from nearby Kittanning, Pa., continued his winning ways with a crowd-pleasing moto sweep. Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., finished second with a 3-2 moto finish and extended his lead to 29 points over KTM's Mike Alessi, of Victorville, Calif., who finished fifth (6-4). Honda's Josh Grant, of Riverside, Calif., was third (2-3).

The Toyota AMA Motocross Championship, presented by FMF, heads west for the season finale on September 10 for the Giant RV Glen Helen National in San Bernardino, Calif.

AMA Toyota Motocross Championships, presented by FMF

Monster Energy/Kawasaki Steel City National

Steel City Raceway - Delmont, Pa.

Round 11 of 12 - September 3, 2006

LITES CLASS RESULTS - HEPLER, VILLOPOTO, GRANT!!