Carmichael Rises to Top in Phoenix and Looks to Start a Streak - News - Dirt Rider Magazine

Carmichael Rises to the Top in Phoenix, Can He Start a Streak?After missing the entire 2003-2004 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series, Team Suzuki's Ricky Carmichael made a statement Saturday night in front of a sold out Bank One Ballpark: He's more than capable of winning.

"There was a lot of speculation on whether or not I could win on a Suzuki, and I came away with a huge win for them," said an elated Carmichael. "The team believed in me and I showed them that I can win."Carmichael, for the first time since March 8, 2003 at Daytona, beat reigning champion Chad Reed under normal race conditions. Reed finished 16th in Anaheim on January 8 due to mechanical problems.Racing returns to Anaheim, Calif., this weekend at Angel Stadium of Anaheim with Honda's Kevin Windham, who finished first in Anaheim and second in Phoenix, in the THQ AMA Supercross Series points lead by two points over Carmichael.Windham chased Carmichael in the early stages of the Phoenix race but was unable to make a pass."This is a long season and so many things can happen," said Windham. "I didn't feel that comfortable on the Phoenix track."Don't forget to catch next day coverage of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series on ESPN2. Check local listings for times.