Ricky Carmichael, widely regarded as the greatest motocross racer of all time, has always been outspoken about his dominance on the track. In a recent interview, Carmichael boldly declared, “I am better,” as he broke down the factors that set him apart from the legends of the sport, including Jeremy McGrath, James Stewart, and Chad Reed. It’s a statement that’s backed by his unparalleled record: 10 AMA Motocross Championships and 5 AMA Supercross titles. But what truly made him stand out, and why does he believe he’s better than these motocross icons?
For Carmichael, the key to his success was his relentless work ethic and mental toughness. While riders like McGrath, Stewart, and Reed were known for their immense talent, Carmichael’s success was built on an unwavering commitment to outwork everyone. He didn’t rely on natural ability alone. He was dedicated to pushing his limits every day, refining every aspect of his riding and training. Carmichael’s “no days off” mentality meant that, even when at the top of his game, he was constantly looking for ways to improve. This mindset separated him from the pack and kept him consistently on top, even in the most challenging conditions.
Another element that set Carmichael apart was his versatility. While Jeremy McGrath was the undisputed king of supercross and James Stewart dominated the outdoors, Carmichael excelled in both. He was able to adapt his skills across both disciplines, thriving in supercross stadiums as well as the challenging outdoor tracks of the AMA Motocross series. Carmichael’s ability to win in every type of race, in all weather conditions, and on any type of terrain, made him a complete racer. It’s this versatility that allowed him to dominate the sport, while riders like McGrath and Stewart had their strong suits but couldn’t match his all-around skill.
In terms of competition, Carmichael’s mindset and mental strength were key factors in why he’s better than his peers. When it came down to the wire, Carmichael’s calm under pressure gave him an advantage. He was able to deal with the mental grind of a season better than others, something that his competitors sometimes struggled with. While Stewart’s speed was undeniable and Reed’s consistency was impressive, Carmichael’s ability to handle the pressure and perform under the most intense circumstances made him stand out.
Carmichael also credited his love for the sport and his intense desire to be perfect as reasons behind his superiority. Unlike some of his competitors, he constantly pushed for a level of perfection that others weren’t willing to chase. His focus on improving every minute detail of his riding set him apart from the rest.
In the end, Carmichael’s combination of work ethic, mental toughness, versatility, and obsession with perfection makes him stand out above motocross legends like McGrath, Stewart, and Reed. For Ricky Carmichael, it wasn’t just about being the best on the track—it was about being the best in every aspect of the sport, and that’s why he confidently says, “I am better.”
