Interview: Ricky
Carmichael
1-5-01
By Eddie Graveline
© 2001 Motopress
I had a chance to sit down with reigning
250 National MX Champion and winning MX des Nations team member Ricky Carmichael
before the opening round of the Supercross series. Since then, RC has been on
the box at all of the first 3 rounds of the series, including one win at the 2nd
round. Here are some of his thoughts going into the season.
Q: I haven’t talked to you since the
beginning of the outdoor season last year. You had quite a season, winning the
250cc National title in your first attempt. How was that whole experience?
A: It was good, you know. It was a little
tough. Things worked out. I ended up winning a lot of races and I had some good
luck. I’m happy and I’m looking forward to trying to keep the ball rolling
here.
Q: Let’s talk about the off-season for a
minute. You didn’t go over and do the usual assortment of European races this
winter. Was that an attempt to avoid injury or were you just running a different
program?
A: No, just a little different program and
trying to get prepared for the season. I’m not really about going to Europe
and stuff unless I’m 100%. I had some work to do with myself and the bike.
That’s what we spent that time doing.
Q: You were part of the American team that
finally won back the MX des Nations title last year. I know that was an
incredible victory for you. How does that victory compare to winning a
Supercross or National Championship?
A: As far as championships go, I think it’s
not quite as big as that. It’s definitely the biggest race win, for sure. It
definitely means a lot.
Q: You’ve ridden the des Nations a few times
now. Now that you’ve won it, is it something that you plan to continue
chasing, or will you take that time off in future years?
A: I wouldn’t mind chasing it. It’s fun.
Q: Last year, as the outdoor season wore on,
your determination and aggressiveness seemed to increase with every round. I
remember one block pass on Sebastien Tortelli in particular. You were basically
willing to do anything to win. Will we see that determination and killer
instinct from you in Supercross races if you’re challenging for the win?
A: (Laughs) I’m not going to go out of my
way to do anything like that unless it’s a last lap situation like that was.
Hopefully I won’t have to do any of that. Like I said, I’m not going to go
out of my way to be dirty, but if I have to do something like that, I will.
I’m just looking forward to trying to be up front this year and being a
serious contender.
Q: When Ryan Hughes was working on the
broadcast of some of the outdoor races, he stated that you just wanted to win
more than anyone else out there. Is that your mindset going into the Supercross
season?
A: Definitely. I race to win. I don’t race
to be second.
Q: The Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki team is down to
two riders this year. Does the smaller size change things for you in any way?
A: It’s pretty much the same. It doesn’t
matter to me. Three guys or two guys, I’m going to worry about myself and no
one else.
Q: How have things been going so far with your
new teammate, Stephane Roncada?
A: He’s a good person. I haven’t spent
that much time with him because I don’t live out here and he just came aboard
the team. I’m looking forward to having fun and he should have a good time.
Q: In the year 2001, which title is more of a
priority for you? Supercross or 250 National?
A: Winning both would be an excellent year,
but my number one goal is winning the Supercross title.
Q: This year some of the older guys have moved
on to retirement and some younger guys (i.e. Pastrana, Roncada) are moving into
the 250 class. Are there any guys outside of the regular contenders that you
think might surprise everyone by winning a race or two?
A: Ezra (Lusk) is going to do good. I think a
lot of people are counting him out. He’s got what it takes to win. He’s the
only guy who’s shown he can beat McGrath.
Q: I know that you and Ezra have ridden and
trained together a lot in the past. Were you able to do that this year?
A: Not really because he moved up to Atlanta.
He doesn’t live by me anymore. I haven’t gotten to ride with him that much
like I used to be able to.
Q: Well, I wish you the best of luck. I’ll
catch up with you after the first few rounds.
A: All right, thank you.
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