Managing the U.S. Suzuki motocross team over the past few years has to have been a very frustrating experience. Particularly, for a no-nonsense, hardened warrior like Roger DeCoster. Talented riders with no focus (like Travis Pastrana) and talented riders with constant injury problems (such as Sebastien Tortelli) are just part of the story. While more than one observer concluded that Suzuki had developed the best racing 250cc motocross machine, the results simply did not come.
With ten AMA National championships (both in motocross and supercross), Ricky Carmichael is the most successful rider in AMA history for his given discipline. He is also just 24 years old, and arguably entering the prime of his professional career. Beginning in 2005, as we previously reported, Carmichael will work for Suzuki and DeCoster. Carmichael fits the mold DeCoster designed for a great rider. Not necessarily the most naturally talented, Carmichael is the most focused, the most dedicated, the most prepared, and the most confident rider in the United States (perhaps, on the planet).
Of course, beginning in 2005, we will see new challenges for Carmichael. James Stewart will enter the 250 class as, perhaps, the most naturally gifted rider in the history of the sport. The recent blossoming of Chad Reed makes him the undeniable king of 250 supercross, who will likely come to grips with Outdoor motocross in short order (his determination nearly matches that of Carmichael). Honda will throw the best equipment it has at Kevin Windham and Mike LaRocco in an effort to defeat all comers, and may yet sign Reed or Stewart, or both. It will be very interesting, but you can count on seeing a yellow bike at the front of the pack far more often than we have become used to.
