Ricky Carmichael: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech

Ricky Carmichael thanks his friends and sponsors for his Hall of Fame career. The 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 18.
Ricky Carmichael has more combined AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross National wins than any other rider in history. From 1997 to 2006, Carmichael won a championship series title each year.
Known as the Greatest of All Time, Carmichael has re-written the record books in the sport of AMA Motocross. In 2002, Carmichael recorded the first perfect season in AMA motocross history by earning 24 straight moto victories for 12 overall wins in the premier class -- a feat he repeated in 2004. When he retired, he had 150 AMA National wins.

[@kne2323]

Any guy who gets choked up on camera talking about their dad automatically moves to the top of my list. Class act, loaded with talent, and more desire to win than any athlete I've ever witnessed. Take away JS7 and he would have won another 50-75 races. GOAT for all of motor sports. I was at his last race in Atlanta.....I'll never forget the tribute to RC......not a dry eye in the house. Thanks for the memories.......

[@4touchdowns1game29]

kne2323 even makes it more impressive with what he dis with james in the picture. After carmichael left nobody could touch a prime stewart hence his perfect season. Carmichael was the only one who could match or beat a prime stewart. Ricky may not have been the straight up fastest ever but he was the smartest.

[@dickfitswell3437]

I agree on the dad comment for sure. Thats a tough topic when pops comes up. I didnt dirtbike but from the time I was 4 until I left for the Marines at 19 it was Soccer and we went year round. Out of town every single weekend. Spending all my parents had on gas money, tournament fee's, unforms, cleets. I know what Ricky felt in that moment and when you pointed it out.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Dick Fitswell you realize what a sacrifice your parents made now, my Dad gave me every penny he could so I could ride, only now do I realize how much he spent on me, thanks Dad.

[@Dynamic3DLtd]

​@@4touchdowns1game29 Of course he was the fastest, have you seen how many titles he has compared to everyone else inc James? Its not even close. You don't win that by just being smart. James was wreckless, sure he could go faster than ricky, because james had to to ride dangerously and outside his limits to beat Ricky which often resulted in him crashing out and as the history books prove, not in the same league.

[@lifeisgood3589]

@@4touchdowns1game29 Supercross I agree. But outdoors that takes raw speed and strength RC was and still is the fastest rider to ever throw a leg over a dirtbike.

[@josdscot]

I actually met him on the beach in Destin, Florida back in 2008. Super great guy, on and off the track. He introduced me to his family, talked my head off and I was just like dude this is great! Thanks for the inspiration bud!

[@markostarr4062]

what was he talking to you about? please tell me..

[@fuckoffhackers8619]

@@markostarr4062 dirtbike & race tips is my guess. iv met many of the top racers at different tracks and they are always so cool and humble. i had cheerios with pastrana in his rv before the heat races at the superdome but have no idea about what we talked about.

[@damonbeddingfield2958]

His dad sacrificing his career to give the best opportunity for his son's is golden. Ricky understands this completely and starts the speech with it. He was my role model when i was a kid growing up racing dirt bikes. My all time favorite athlete. I just turned 36 and my daughter told me I have grey hairs in my beard. I still miss the smell of race fuel in the morning.

[@itakeyouthere]

"just a little kid from florida that could ride a motorcycle"

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

AWESOME quote! Its brought tears to my own eyes...

[@tobywoodard7]

Sam Smith To mine as well. I'm a mess here!

[@fuzzpool]

I met Ricky when I was in Florida for spring break I believe 1983? He was on a KX 60 and they combined the 80 and 60 class together with separate starts. First the 80's take off and its Florida sand everywhere it looks like a mud race the way everyone is struggling, then the 60's blast out and Ricky gets the holeshot and within one lap he has caught the 80's and by the end of the race he had won the 60's and finished 3rd in the 80's!!! What@#$% after the race he pulled over just by the finish line and I went and talked to him congratulating him on his win! He was so focused he was telling me that the throttle didn't go around far enough to go faster!!! What I took from that was he was riding that 60 past its capabilities but he was so young and didn't understand yet the gift he was given!!! Ricky you did yourself proud and your family is where they now are because you believed in each other! Hero's aren't born there made! Your gratitude forward speaks volumes to your back story and that is still growing daily, well done your Hall of Fame inductee is well deserved!!! Have Fun

[@mikec2745]

Richard John Smith that's awesome I didn't meet him until I raced with him on 80s

[@dudleylandsberg1747]

Cool story bro thanks for sharing . By the way it's *they're made. Not there. There is a place.

[@reactorfallout]

Truly a class act and one of the greatest ambassadors for motocross. I think Ricky is one of the greatest athletes of all time. No one, not even Tiger Woods or Valentino Rossi could dominate their sport to the degree that Ricky did. I feel like he should be recognized by more then the AMA Hall of Fame, not to take anything away from the AMA HoF, but I just feel his athleticism and competitiveness transcends just riding motorcycles.

[@ollysfishing4231]

MARK KUBASKA fuck rossi! Hes not that great!

[@GTS92_MBargallo]

Toni Bou

[@josepena49]

The best world

[@richardpartin9378]

Absolutely. Probably the most dominant athlete ever in his sport

[@Tabascorider]

take another hit off the crack pipe b ro@@ollysfishing4231

[@MrRockysquirl]

Ricky is the greatest rider I have ever met, seen ride and spent time with in my life. We used to pick him up at the airport in Portland when he wold come to Washougal every year and take him to his hotel. He was very cool.

[@peterlyon2796]

What astonishes me the most is i wonder what all the motocross legens must feel knowing that this little man shamed everyone, every legend, every racer who thought they were mister cool motocrosser, and ricky is the greatest of them all. Can you imagine that. Wow,

[@williamschroder9356]

He stepped up the work ethic of everyone involved in the sport.

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

without Ricky - Keven Windham would have been a "movie star".

[@rickyoverton5420]

No he didn’t!! SMH

[@Frankfoot986]

He changed the sport indefinitely.

[@mr.channel6467]

I’ll take after Jeremy McGrath, thanks. Although the RC did have his ways. We all know what we need to do to be a better rider and will go from there.

[@cbl0325]

RC thanks for being real.

[@markellsworth3261]

Such a class act and ambassador to our sport. ❤

[@TrevorJones418]

REAL MEN CRY!!!!!

[@7628739]

a TRUE man of character.. he is so gracious and humble, and blessed with a great set of parents. Ricky made me well up and cry.. and he has not forgotten. God Bless you Ricky.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

This guy is a REAL ambassador to the sport. NOW, lets just see if RV can hold a candle to RC when he retires. That's how you tell who is truly worthy of your praise and respect... its how they treat the sport after retirement, a sport that has made them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. Ricky is the man. He was a fierce competitor on track, but a very humble and respectful man off the track. I remember being at the Atlanta Supercross back in the day and the crowd literally blowing the roof off the joint when they announced RC during the opening ceremonies! What a guy...

[@JR113FTW]

There's no doubt Ricky will always be the blue collar humble bad ass. Ryan is just a different dude. Just because Ryan hasn't handled himself well at times doesn't mean he's a bad guy. When you're at that level with the huge pay and expectation and all the millions of people it is easy to be overwhelmed. Time will tell with how much he matures. We are all human and not perfect.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

I think Bubba and Reed have a better chance honestly.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Absolutely, I like RV a lot and he is indeed a good guy and he's good for the sport. I respect RV, He is just very different from RC. I think much of it is his upbringing. RC grew up FL, the deep south actually. RV is from the very liberal Pacific Northwest... two very different people and RC will always be my idol!

[@briantrosuk5593]

Ur my hero RC! We will be in our 70’s and I will still be betting saying my boy will dust yours…anytime anyplace!!! I’m so great full to have met ya and been part of the ride!! Thank you

[@dougtroutman5695]

He worked hard for it,probably the best rider ever. very humble great job Ricky.

[@paulrash8861]

Man that fella is all class

[@chayes954r]

He is a legend, saw him race in Southwick, Massachusetts

[@stevenwescott1422]

Me too. Great times there. Saw Jeremy McGrath too. J.Y.D. Doug Henry

[@traderlincolnmitchell9786]

this is by far the best rider in HISTORY HANDS DOWN!!!!!! he earned everything with no excuses.

[@bill154cub]

I first watched little Ricky C on tv riding a little KX back in the day. We knew he would make it big and he did, congrats you earned it.

[@tobywoodard7]

This really moved me to tears. I only really got consumed with supercross about a year ago. I have watched so many old races, and all of the past five years' worth. I SO wish I could go back to the Ricky Carmichael years and live the races and the moments as they were happening. I love this guy. And have the utmost respect for him.

[@shawndoucette9797]

One hell of a guy. You deserve all the accolades in the world. A true class act. You will always be the G.O.A.T. God bless you brother.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I always knew and respect this kid growing up and still respect him, as far as the modern bike era he was the best and I really don’t think there will be anyone to come close he was the GOAT for sure, congratulations little man you deserved it,

[@penttij5817]

Class act, and continues to be an ambassador to our sport.🇺🇸❤️

[@jeffro7p202]

Jesus it seems like yesterday i was watching a video of him, james stewart and travis sitting down talking about what their favorite ice cream flavor was.

[@shawndejesus796]

My childhood hero! “just a little kid from florida who can ride a motorcycle” Stay humble GOAT

[@jeffdean7623]

Very well spoken, family first. Much respect to RC. He never disappoints, on or off the track

[@RichM0410]

UTMOST respect to Ricky. Have watched racing for 50 years. Charmichael is certainly a big part of Motorcycle racing. Important influential history in my life and many others that love the sport of racing. Pleasure to watch this 9 years later. Not that I didn't know his accomplishments but to see the induction is important. Thank you for posting the video.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Not sure how I missed this but I just wept as well…thank you for all the glorious years and congratulations

[@DyesRydes]

much love for Ricky Carmichael!! Such a good role model for the sport.

[@Lordforgives]

Congratulations 🎉 Ricky an James Stewart were always my favorite riders of all time I was just the DUNELIZARD.

[@andrewspoto9378]

He is the best that ever did it.

[@stuarthipkins8336]

My hero...never lost a race at southwick..i witnessed him being presented the key to the city.

[@MrReconnaissence]

G.O.A.T. Once in a lifetime athlete.

[@curtisburnham8099]

RC & Michael Schumacher, True ambassadors & living legends.

[@adrenalinerushed6435]

LEGEND. thank you for all the great races Ricky. GOAT 4 life

[@scottmorgan6099]

Thank you Ricky, for all you do, & all you have done for the sport of Supercross & Motocross....You've set records that are close to impossible for anyone to beat...👍

[@slimetimefishing4782]

im from jacksonville florida and watched this guy when i was like 4 years old ,best ever

[@jayroyce9700]

Thank you Ricky for showing that even a poor kid from the sticks can still be an astronaut and live in the sky.

[@KLAMATH32]

Truly the greatest. Humble and hardworking. He deserves all the credit given to him.

[@gray334]

I remember meeting Ricky in 2005 at the Dallas Supercross race. I shale remember that day.

[@nesc39]

Pretty cool to see him get emotional over his parents sacrifices. Definitely the driving force behind him. He definitely forgot ALOT of people though. AXO, MIKE GOSSELAR(suzuki mech) , CHAD WATTS(kawi mech), ALDON BAKER(turned him from a chubby beefcake into a ripped athlete and changed motocross training forever), and his countless friends over the years that trained and rode with him.

[@toddjacobs5660]

Great speech, i remember when Ricky was like 10 yrs old, that kid rode just as good then as he did as an adult, congratulations R.C. !!!!

[@eyeonyou3540]

Ricky is the man and never will there be someone like him again that dominated for so many years. I was a little shocked he didn’t thank his mechanic Mike . Maybe I just missed it.

[@wkwk3632]

Congratulations Ricky.You are the best ever.I truly enjoyed watching you compete over the years.

[@skwirlman]

Im only a cpl yrs older than you ricky. I remember watchin u on TV when i was young and i always liked u alot. You're an inspiration to all us lil guys. We love u alot!! Never stop bein u!! Long live the goat.

[@aaronkauffman1118]

We love you Ricky. God bless and congratulations sir. 🙏🏽✊🏽 the one and only goat! 👍🏽

[@jessejames5825]

Ricky is the BIGGEST man I have ever met. He is the GOAT.

[@mx-co2388]

He truly Changed the sport, Everyone Had to Train if they were gonna try to Compete with RC , and it remains that way to this day , the guys Winning MX at the pro level could also win a marathon.

[@tinman7159]

Class act, and example for working hard at what ever you do!!!!

[@TheRealKalEll]

🙏Worked hard from the bottom to the top G.O.A.T. legit, humbled gentleman Ricky Carmichael 100%. Thanks for giving us all such a great show over the years. God bless.🙏

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

My best memories watching mx was Ricky on that number 4 cr250

[@OldManLuffy]

7x ama 450 national champion and a 5x sx champion and 150 total wins which will never be broken even in the future when dirtbikes can fly it will never be broken nobody is even close also 10 straight championships in which he was undefeated in all 10 consecutive and another record that will never be broken is RC went on to lap 39 riders in the most dominant moto win in the history of motocross im just glad I got to witness the undeniable GOAT of motocross along with Travis Pastrana hes the other GOAT

[@ADOTlied]

The finest motorsport racer of all time, no one was more driven to win.

[@herbrachel9707]

It’s always a pleasure to hear RC4 speak.

[@blaze4301]

awesome speech RC, love the humility.......................blessing to you, your wife and children!

[@ballzswetski7289]

props to Mr. Carmichael, been following him/watching for years and years. What a great ambassador for the sport he is going to make not to mention everything he has accomplished prior to this....

[@andyt7919]

ricky and james stewart , are the best two ever motox riders to live , respect to them both , and well done ricky much deserved what an honor 👍

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Saw RC lap the entire field in a Millville mud moto, yeah buddy!

[@jimmyguenza3767]

Thanks Man I will never forget Pontiac ! Ya baby # the 70 never looked so good ! Thanks for being a true champion and a good man all around keep up the good my brother ! Respect and love Loyal fan Jimmy

[@wendellrountree4899]

Such a great guy on and off the track!!

[@crispincurtis8585]

Congratulations man,, I've watched you ride when you were on kx125😎👍 keep ripping it up

[@qwertyuiop4991]

Top guy! UK FAN!

[@eZaFJDUBB]

This guys my idol he's such an amazing guy and so positive

[@chadflorack9342]

The worlds greatest class act. And inspiration. Period

[@rvrbarnacle79]

He’s better at riding than a speech. You did it RC the others just rode along man

[@kurtfosberg4457]

Thanks for riding so hard and helping the bikes we buy more durable first time I noticed a pipe so discolored almost to the gas tank on one of your 85s I'm thinking how does the piston not melt

[@panpandesal4950]

rc you are my idol!

[@josephharrelson8434]

That’s a very good person and a Hell of a racer hats off to you Ricky!!!!! Your the best!!!!!!!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Great Speech very humble and appreciave..

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

The only thing I hate is that nowadays whenever you search "Ricky Carmichael" you get the images of the Suzuki. He was better and had more success on the Kawasaki and the Honda. I love the RC Honda years!

[@MaryGarcia-gf3nn]

That's when I became a fan

[@xxbryan715xx]

I think he lost one championship (2006 FIM world supercross) while on Suzuki. granted his last season was a partial year but he was as dominant on Suzuki as any other bike.

[@gerrywagoner5934]

+xxbryan715xx That is considered a ghost or shadow title - not a real championship.

[@garrett3234]

Sam Smith for Sure seeing the red number four plate in the Honda musem is awesome

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

For sure, one very interesting thing about RC is that when he went to Suzuki he didn't suffered a career slump like so many others, even McGrath. He just kept right on kicking major ass! Then he went out on top...

[@hoppiemacv8604]

Thank you Ricky! The G.O.A.T will always be 4

[@ninja2kernow]

I,m sure he could still win ama pro races.We miss you on the track.

[@onecrazytruckinfarmer]

Man I love RC j he’s a true champion. Humble and kind

[@onecrazytruckinfarmer]

The j Is a typo

[@ktmdays]

My dad wouldn't even take me to Disneyland and Ricky's dad.moved for him 👍🏍🏍🏍

[@ianwashington7751]

James Stewart SHOULD be nominated!

[@Nothingilikemore]

Fantastic Ricky

[@simonsimcic8154]

Thank you RC!

[@TheMyronStube]

this made me cry im sorry touching

[@elmerburley7710]

Ricky I remember the beginning you were a lose wire but a lot of talent , think it was your manger of team said to race the track and not your competitors then you started kicking. I also grew i north Fla my first bike was a SL 125 love you bro loved watching you McGrath kicking ass y'all was a big influence in the sport especially you on the MX circuit

[@joshmoore8488]

that so he got that I'm so happy for him 😊😊🎉🎊

[@SymonSaysTV]

Man I like RC. Such a nice guy.

[@hvalour1]

Total class act. Goats need to have class.

[@triple6758]

He earned it.

[@stpatri]

Didn't hear him mention the 3 eyed grasshopper he ran over not once but twice in the back woop section. Still humble after gaining so much. Respect.

[@JohnJohnson-hk7cj]

Yes RC is the Goat👍👍

[@doubleb9247]

PURE AWESOME.

[@milleniumgt]

Didn't say anything about Chad Watts... his mechanic that kept his bikes in tip top shape.

[@stevepadilla9729]

Another Amazing video of the G.O.T.

[@VenomForza]

Ricky the GOAT

[@michaelmays9292]

Awesome guy

[@jamesrobert7155]

How bout all the fans!!! Damn, can't believe that he didn't say that once!

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

What a guy!

[@WeaponsEducation]

I used to watch him get on his bike via an egg crate at Dade City Raceway.

[@levisalvini4110]

What a Legend...

[@MrDanieljw]

What about chad watts rc?

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Awesome!

[@evaneffertz16]

Greatest of all time

[@BOOS7ED_S2K]

all class

[@KrustyKlown]

I have REAL signatures of EVERY AMA Grand National Champion from 1940-1980, 18 individual signatures ... all on the same page of my American Racer: 1940-1980 book (by Stephen Wright, signed by him too!!). And it's a Limited Book Edition with Gold Leaf Leather cover/binding. I often wonder what this is worth??? .. any guesses???

[@143Chippy143]

How can you not thank GOOSE for giving you the best prepared bike on the track to allow you the success you had ?????

[@natebaker719]

Yeah, I was trying to figure that one out... he had the best mechanic in the business. Ricky is still a class act and will always be my favorite racer and my favorite to watch.