Daytona: Ricky Carmichael aims for three-peat

Ricky Carmichael Ready To Jump For Three In A Row In Daytona Supercross By Honda

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Floridian Ricky Carmichael will also shoot for his third consecutive victory in the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Saturday on March 9 at Daytona International Speedway.

Carmichael, who was born in Clearwater, Fla., and lives in Havana, Fla., didn't leave too much suspense in last year's Daytona Supercross By Honda, taking the hole shot on the start and dominating the race by leading all 20 laps.

"This track, only the strong survive," Carmichael said after his 6.20-second victory.

With last year's victory, Carmichael joined four riders in being able to win the Daytona Supercross By Honda back to back. This year, Carmichael won't be aboard the Kawasaki that delivered his two previous Daytona Supercross By Honda victories, but instead he'll be riding a Honda.

Only two riders have ever won the Daytona Supercross By Honda three times in a row. Jeff Stanton won four times between 1989-92 and Mike Kiedrowski had a streak of three in a row between 1993-95.

"I think I've been doing pretty well and I think it being a hometown race gives me an advantage," Carmichael said. "I'm looking forward to racing here at Daytona. I always do. It's more kind of like outdoors, which is my type of racing.'"

The Daytona Supercross By Honda is not just a race, it's a test of a rider's physical abilities. Gary Bailey has designed the course since it's the inception of the race and has made it the toughest course on the circuit through its length and obstacles. Riders usually have their tongue hanging out after five laps battling the course.

"Fitness plays a big part in this race," Carmichael said. "It's a tough race physically and a lot of guys seem to crumble about the 15-lap mark."

While Carmichael has one eye on the course, he has to keep the other his competitors. Jeremy McGrath, a three-time winner of the Daytona Supercross By Honda, will certainly deliver a challenge and crowd favorite Travis Pastrana, who posted two definitive victories in the 125cc at Daytona in 2000 and 2001, will make the move to the 250cc class.

Tickets for the Daytona Supercross By Honda can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

-dis-