Three In a Row for Suzuki's Carmichael, Laninovich Takes Home First Career Win

Suzuki's Ricky Carmichael, of Havana, Fla., won his third consecutive THQ AMA Supercross Series race in front of 38,744 fans at SBC Park. Honda's Billy Laninovich, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., won his first 125cc Western Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series race.

Reed earned the $1,500 Butterfinger Crisp Holeshot Award with Mike LaRocco, of Corona, Calif., and Carmichael in tow. Carmichael settled into second place on lap 2 and followed Reed until lap 8 where he passed the reigning THQ AMA Supercross Series champion. Once in the lead, Carmichael pulled away from Reed, who finished second and LaRocco, who finished third.

"This is what the fans wanted to see," said Carmichael. "I had to chase Chad (Reed) and earn the win tonight, and I am very happy with my performance. It's a long series, so I can't get too excited. I need to keep my head on and finish the season strong."

Yamaha's Danny Smith, of Middleton, Idaho, earned the $1,000 Butterfinger Holeshot Award but it was Honda's Billy Laninovich who moved into the lead. Season points leader Ivan Tedesco started near the back of the pack after an early-race crash. But he put in a remarkable charge, working his all the way up to third place, just making the podium. Although it wasn't the race he had planned, Tedesco was satisfied with his results. "The Championship is the most important thing," he said, "at least I got some good points tonight." Honda's Andrew Short, of Colorado Springs, Colo., moved his Honda into second place but was unable to pass Laninovich.

"This is the first win of my career, so I can't even explain how happy I am," said Laninovich. "I hope this is the first of many. I had a little battle with Danny Smith on lap 1, but I was able to move into the lead and ride smart."

In the eighth-annual Suzuki Crossover Challenge mountain biker Brian Lopes, who came into the race as an odds-on favorite, led the first three laps with jet skier Victor Sheldon on his back wheel. Mid-way through the whoop section Lopes lost control and crashed, allowing Sheldon to move into the lead and get the win.

Racing returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim next Saturday, February 5. Tonight's race airs on ESPN2 tomorrow, Sunday, January 30 at 5:00 p.m. EST.