Ricky Carmichael, one of the most decorated names in Supercross history, has always had a keen eye for what makes a champion. After Cooper Webb’s impressive victory at the Supercross Arlington, Carmichael shared his thoughts on what made Webb’s win so remarkable. While some critics have questioned Webb’s speed in comparison to younger competitors, Carmichael was quick to praise Webb’s mastery of the fundamentals—skills and consistency.
“People often say Webb lacks the speed,” Carmichael said, “but we can all see he still wins races.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many who have watched Webb’s career, where he often faces faster riders like Chase Sexton, but still finds ways to come out on top. So, how does Webb manage to achieve such consistent success despite the talk about his speed? Carmichael has the answer: “He does it with skills.”
The Supercross legend pointed out that the new generation of riders, while undoubtedly fast, often rely heavily on the technology of modern bikes and advanced performance tools. These advancements in tech certainly contribute to better performance, but Carmichael believes they can sometimes overshadow the foundational skills that have always been crucial to success. In contrast, Webb’s success has come down to mastering the fundamentals—skills and consistency—that continue to set him apart.
“We saw skills win over tech and speed,” Carmichael said, emphasizing that Webb’s approach is a stark contrast to the younger riders who might rely too much on high-tech machinery and sheer velocity. According to Carmichael, the likes of Chase Sexton, who is undeniably fast, may struggle with the same level of skill and consistency that Webb has shown in his career. It’s not just about being fast on the track; it’s about executing with precision and maintaining a level of reliability over the course of a race.
Carmichael was full of admiration for Webb’s ability to defeat riders with faster times, and this win at Arlington only reinforced Webb’s strength. “He was able to defeat the others because of his skill and consistency,” Carmichael explained. “That’s what makes him stand out—he gives us a display of skill and consistency, not like the new guys who rely heavily on tech.”
As the racing world continues to evolve, it’s clear that Webb’s approach represents a balance of experience and technique that is hard to beat. Ricky Carmichael’s praise of Cooper Webb following his victory at Arlington is a reminder that, while technology and speed are important, skill and consistency will always be vital elements of success in the sport. “Congrats Coop, you’re my guy!” Carmichael concluded, underscoring his belief in Webb’s exceptional talent.
