By Staff
BUCHANAN -- The AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship rolls into the great state of Michigan this weekend at the Red Bud.
And topping the list of athletes competing in the event are Team Honda's Ricky Carmichael, African-American phenom James Stewart (Kawasaki), South Bend's own Mike LaRocco and a whole host of Michigan-based pro motocross racers!
Equally as exciting in the 125 class is rookie phenom James Stewart. The "Tiger Woods of the Extreme Sports World," Stewart, a mere 17-years old, is coming back from an injury that had him on the sidelines for six weeks.
Also, keep an eye on veteran Larry Ward (Moto XXX/Yamaha). Ward won the 125 class two year ago and was on the podium last year.
Other local pro/am athletes to check out include.Derek Rose (Casco), Geddy Karrle (Hobart, Ind.), David Gaylord (Kalamazoo), Nick Adams (Hastings), BJ Ripple (Crown Point, Ind.), Tommy Hoffmaster (Pearl City, Ill.).
Leading the Series.Through five races in 2003, the 250cc class defending champion is Team Honda's Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael has had his moto win streak (an incredible 26-straight heading into Hangtown, round two) broke by Factory Connection/Honda's Kevin Windham. Still, RC is undefeated in overalls this year (5-0).
Parity rules the 125 class as 2001 champ Mike Brown is in a points race with 2001 rival and runner-up, Grant Langston. But keep an eye on the No. 259 bike of James "Bubba" Stewart (Kawasaki). Stewart enters Red Bud following a 1-1 finish at round five (Budds Creek), his first race back from a six week layoff due to injury (shoulder).
Last year at Red Bud.Team Honda's Ricky Carmichael ran is second win streak to six straight (12 straight moto wins in the two-moto format) with a dominating performance at the popular Michigan race track. On the podium with Carmichael was Honda teammate Nathan Ramsey and Team Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki's Ezra Lusk.
In the 125 class, James "Bubba" Stewart won the race in his first-ever visit to Red Bud. Sobe Suzuki's Branden Jesseman was second and 2001 winner Larry Ward was third.
Pro racing begins at 1 p.m.