Ricky Carmichael, often hailed as the greatest motocross racer in history, recently sat down to share some of the most personal and unheard stories from his legendary career. Known for his unmatched talent on the dirt, Carmichael’s journey through the sport has been filled with extraordinary victories, memorable moments, and decisions that would define his career. Among the most significant was his bold decision to leave Honda, the brand that had helped him achieve superstardom, and join Suzuki in 2005.
Carmichael’s time with Honda was a golden era. He dominated the sport, racking up 5 consecutive AMA Supercross titles and 10 AMA Motocross championships, building a reputation as a racer no one could touch. However, in an unexpected move, Carmichael left Honda and made the switch to Suzuki, a decision that shocked fans and insiders alike.
The decision was monumental, not just for the brand shift but because it involved personal and professional risks. Ricky explained that, despite his immense success with Honda, there was a sense of stagnation creeping in. He was looking for a fresh challenge, a new environment where he could push himself and, in his words, “reignite the fire.” He knew that Suzuki offered a new platform to test his limits and prove that his greatness wasn’t tied to one brand. It wasn’t just about racing—he wanted to see how far he could go with a completely different team and machine.
The financial aspects of the move were also a key factor in Carmichael’s decision. At the time, he was already a millionaire, but the switch to Suzuki came with a significant pay bump. Ricky revealed that, while he had been making good money with Honda, the Suzuki deal was “life-changing.” According to him, his salary with Suzuki was well over $10 million, a figure that added a layer of financial security to his already accomplished career. But despite the larger paycheck, Carmichael emphasized that it was never just about the money. The challenge of reinventing himself, alongside the potential to help build Suzuki into a winning team, played a massive role in his decision-making process.
While the move to Suzuki wasn’t without its challenges—such as adapting to new bikes and building a relationship with the team—it ultimately paid off. Carmichael went on to win his final 450cc National Championship in 2007, solidifying his status as a true legend of the sport.
Looking back, Ricky reflects on the bold move with no regrets. It was a career-defining decision that tested his resilience and desire for continuous improvement. For Carmichael, the risk was worth it, proving that sometimes the biggest rewards come from taking the biggest leaps.
