Ricky Carmichael on How He Beat James Stewart

Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael talks to Sam Jones about the strategy involved when racing James Stewart.
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[@howardmontaque8147]

Thanks Ricky and James! Some of the best racing in history.

[@derailleurmind0454]

No doubt

[@jamessharp9790]

Absolutely

[@santiagoduron3808]

Man I get tears in my eyes seeing Rickey and James talking about one another with so much respect!! Them and chad reed back in the day was awesome!!🔥🔥🔥

[@asecret900]

I don't believe you can discuss 'rider respect' and include Chad in that sentence, as he held/showed zero respect for others on track - IMHO.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

What was very amazing about RC's career, is that when he turned pro, he would throw it away trying to win, people thought he would crash out too often to be nearly as good as he turned out to be, and a lot of people thought he was just to short for SX whoops. But he went pretty much injury free his entire pro career, learned not to throw it away, (much), and figured out the whoops. He would raise the bar every time he was challenged, all the way to his retirement, and he retired with about a 83% "win average" after 10.5 years (21 different series, SX and MX). There will never be another athlete like RC, in any sport that man participates in. In sports, RC is the epitome of greatness, and it is good for mankind to have hero's like that to look up to.

[@cranberrysmoothie1]

Have you heard of john brezenk?

[@raptorair500]

TRUE STORY.. Many years ago, I was trying to find a place to ride just looking around Tallahassee fla. My intention was to find a way to some powerlines and ride there. So me and my buddy unloaded our dirt bikes and headed down a dirt trail by a grave yard . As we rode we saw red clay behind some bushes so we found a way to get to the clay and instantly realized that we were on a perfectly groomed full blown pro level mx track. Well without thinking we started racing around like a couple amateur goof balls that we were. After a little while we noticed some guys unloading bikes . So we rode over to explain how we accidentally stumbled onto the track. And it was the GOAT. YES Ricky Carmichael was there to train. His friends and mother were there. She held a pit board and timed each lap. They actually let us ride on the track with them . Ricky even timed a jump so we could take picture's of me and Ricky mid flight over a 60 foot table top. I still have the pictures. His mom looked like she was about to leave , so i rode over to thank her for the ride with Ricky. She said that she had to go but would I mind staying around a little while to watch Ricky just to make sure someone was around in case of emergency, she probably saw how star struck we were and wanted to make us feel like we had a purpose. But what a memory and what a great mom and dad to give Ricky the opportunity to become the greatest of all time G.O.A.T

[@shawnt.6081]

What year?

[@raptorair500]

@@shawnt.6081 ricky was on a 125 number plate 70 .. I also rode with ricky at ezra lusks track in Bainbridge georgia. This time I was with my friends and no one was there except Ricky , his mom. And Ezra lusks dad . Ricky was on a kx 250 two stroke. The year was Early 2000s. . I was just at the right place and right time . He was absolutely impossible to keep up with even on the straightaways . top Pro rider's are at a completely different level than ç rider's .. I got to see how fast ricky was , in person. I'm still talking about it 20 years later . 😆 Lol

[@derailleurmind0454]

Real real cool. What a memory.

[@papa007007]

Cool Story 👍

[@rapscallion3421]

@@raptorair500 I'll be honest your story is complete bogus, it's completely fairy tale. If he was there to practice why would he let 2 backyard warriors on the track with him lol? And his mom just leaves him with 2 strangers? Where are the trainers and pit guys, the whole team will show up to practice. In the early 2000s carmichael was already past the 125 level he was racing 250 pro class in 99 with team kawasaki. 96-98 are the goats 125 years. So take this story back to the rodeo with the rest of the bulls*it.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

No one had more HEART than this guy... and that is what we love him!

[@CycleCruza]

dam I miss both of them racing against each other.

[@traderlincolnmitchell9786]

me too. They never raced dirty. They would plan and simple see who could ride the track better.

[@casmitherz]

It's Cycle Cruzah baby! Lol ride safe yo

[@dylanpope9162]

@CycleCruza just chilling in here like a normal guy 😁 your videos helped me so much when I first started riding years ago

[@jraybay]

I loved watching these two guys ride! They're my favorite riders of all time and I'm glad I got to see Ricky one last time in Toronto

[@NoVeilShow]

There will never again be a Moto rivalry like James vs Ricky. Best battles in history

[@NevadaSmith2]

This is so awesome. Ricky is saying it without saying it: Chad Reed couldn't race cleanly like he and James could. Chad had zero respect for the guys who were faster than him. He was always willing to pull the cheap shot for the win. Battles between RC and JS were the best the sport has ever seen!

[@CLUBBEDOUT2008]

Bench Racer totally agree with you. Some of the best races I've ever seen. You don't see racing like that anymore.

[@FullJikama]

INDEED!

[@jamienichols6277]

That's why I never liked Chad Reed. He was very dirty.

[@TwistLosi]

This is laughable, people must forgot how dirty RC was in his early years. RC and Reed had many close clean races also.

[@DoctorOne18]

tf,.. I don't think he was thinkn about chad. reed not on that level

[@chrisreal4753]

this is the goat saying give number #7 some respect thank you Ricky

[@EarthSurferUSA]

It was a blast watching you two guys race also. Thank you for the best racing the world has ever seen. I have a great pic of RC, JS and Mike Alessi in the early laps of Red Bud, flying over the last jump to the uphill sweeper, and I met RC's Mother on the top bench (pay a extra $20.00 bucks back then, and you get the best seat on the national circuit, the top bench of that bleacher at the top of the uphill sweeper), as I had the seat right next to her. She only went up there when RC was on the track, and it was a pleasure talking with her hoping I did not bug her too much (she was timing sections with a stop watch). I thought RC was the winningest athlete in any sport in the entire history of sports in the world, but I found a European bicycle racer who won about 400 of 412 races, and later became a co-founder of Indian Motorcycles. RC not only is the GOAT of MX, but may be second of anybody in any sport there ever was (in terms of win percentage for a normally long career of hundreds of events).

[@lukepaul2882]

My 2 favourite riders of all time

[@howardmontaque9939]

Miss those two so much... Thanks Ricky and James.

[@snowzZzZz]

"We knew none of us would make a cheap move, we had respect." Chad Reed anyone?

[@lalilulelo1989]

Was the same between him and ricky but vs James, not so much :)

[@Mrhootie333]

ahmmm...no, lol

[@Mrhootie333]

and 22 is STILL racing isn't he? What is he now?....50..?

[@brucebrainard653]

@@lalilulelo1989 You must remember early on Can't remember the race but chad was on 250f and James on the KX125 - James did all he could to humiliate Chad - and truthfully he did. That doesn't sit well with any true competitor - It was after Chad had talked some smack so?

[@lalilulelo1989]

@@brucebrainard653 Im not defending either of them. Just saying Chad and Ricky had respect while James and Chad hated eachother

[@Wordtoyamom]

That must have been first moto 2006. I was right next to leaches lump in the second moto when they were battling and RC took flight in the worst way. The dirt there is clay and you could feel the thud when rc hit the ground. One tough SOB, Bubba had his number that day though. I've seen tons of crazy talents ride at washougal since i started going in 97, but james was an absolute wizard out there when he was on.

[@RideRedRacer]

wow that was so cool to listen to Ricky talk about the good old days. i remember going to Glen Helen and watching him race about 15 years ago. He was so fast it blew my mind. He will always be the best in my eyes

[@mcriser]

Tanks off camera for doing these interviews.

[@wsmaga]

Awesome story, thanks RC for sharing.

[@ryanstratton1925]

no better bench racing I've heard. Love it

[@ifuzzywuzzytv1249]

Love RC... humble, great sportsmanship and now as a commenter for SX... I enjoy the brutal honesty 🥰

[@REXMAN03]

This is a great interview, this show focuses mainly on actors, and yet here is Ricky Carmichael one of the greatest motocross riders in the world, and Sam does not miss a beat. Great interview and please interview more people in the motorsports world!

[@JokersWild70]

Having been there back in the day, RC had the ability to ride on the edge much more consistently than JS. It's why RC is the GOAT.

[@penttij5817]

2 perfect seasons, nuff said!🇺🇸

[@WShade]

He respects him to even talk about it

[@Mrhootie333]

Watched "Bubba scrub" at Budd's Creek, Maryland more than once....Guy was just incredible to watch...seemed as if he yanked the handlebar almost down to the ground even before Liftoff!!

[@DanielTojcic]

Is there a longer video available?

[@paulmader1052]

Gotta love Carmichael the way he rides and talks is just awesome

[@kirkdunn1379]

I wasn't huge Stewart fan but imo he was most talented rider on dirt bike period at that time....i am sure riding a 125 in 250f all those years elevated him as well.....he was freak on bike!

[@stevepadilla9729]

Very Cool and respectful interview.

[@chasingwaves11]

Lol ! best storey ever right here Ricky and James ! two of my most Favorite people to watch growning up didnt really care for Mc ... my 3rd favorite is Trey aka Tc

[@RileyTheGamer]

I love this interview

[@BloodShedda]

Great story Ricky. What a legend, so is Bubba and Pastrana.

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYvTdZh_btFqaLs

[@snowzZzZz]

James I would say is one of the most respectful riders I've seen in terms of passes, although his decision making is a few notches behind Carmichael. Stewart's speed/talent, Charmichaels race intelligence, and Reeds grit/determinations and longevity would make the perfect racer.

[@jamescameron7633]

Such a good bloke ,loved watching them two go hard there so awesome

[@starlinreese9206]

I love riding Washougal!

[@rolfinator37]

Class act man. Miss them days

[@tremoloman]

James and Ricky were like beer and pizza. They just go together. Those were the days!

[@joeishere500]

i remember that race

[@tallmike6598]

Great stuff..

[@carlroberts9130]

R.C was unreal the best on a motocross bike the very best

[@xx_dusty_xx4578]

i met Bubba at the Oakland Ca supercross when i was maybe 10 years old he singed my hat !, he was on his KX125, that memory is still so rich to me and i can remember it like it was yesterday :)

[@itsmeforsure5475]

Great interview and both riders were wicked fast. It seemed like RC could pivot that bike on a dime in the corners and get out just alittle quicker. Everywhere else it seemed like a dead heat.

[@jollycooperator2876]

When I was younger I watched them racing each other. Lol the next day I rode harder than I ever did before. I never had enough money when I was younger to be able to go around rnough to get noticed by sponsors etc. I like to think if I could have I could have gone pretty far in motocross or cords country. Even after broken bones and shoulder surgeries I still miss riding. Now I'm almost 30 with a family and I miss it lol. I'm definitely gonna buy another bike in the future.

[@jollycooperator2876]

@shit talker No I haven't I honestly am just getting to a point where I could afford one, but I can't afford an injury since I'm not a salary employee lol.

[@calliebriggs9021]

Sounds like me vs everyone in life everyone loved to try to match the pace

[@tonyjenkins272]

I watched that shit in person 💯🔥

[@oleonardofontes]

Best riders ever!

[@garytauber430]

Ricky and Reed are thge best Supercross riders

[@marcogalvez9564]

the goat

[@192837465conconrad]

Parallel with Dungey/Roczen anybody?

[@letthevoidb7608]

192837465conconrad ehhh...no!

[@japslapr]

Who? RC? Stewart? Regardless... NO!

[@tbone0785]

Not even remotely close

[@DarylDickens]

Epic!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Sounds like great racing, sorry I missed it.

[@ThomasMichaelBohnert]

That's why we like RC (and Bubba).

[@12dev1l]

ricky’s a good guy

[@borntwice4724]

RC is the man.

[@Upracefan]

Easiest way to beat James Stewart was to just stay healthy and stay up on your bike! Stewart was faster more often but he also crashed a bunch because of it.

[@michaelstewart3042]

I never understood why he left Kawasaki he could of worked with James for a couple years they would have ruled everything I loved both of them on kawi's it was so weird seeing Ricky on something different on James first year pro but they could both ride anything they sat on to another level lol😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@Mrhootie333]

Not in their blood to be on same team and share knowledge....uhuh

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

Yeah I thinkvricky forgets the bar he set,his bless him he put in the time on an off the bike.but I have been watching Ricky for a lot of years and he was going at his pace that I think most pros were like how fast do I have to go to beat this RC kid,and he was strong enuf to make it look easy still a little scary,but,one thing I just started racing Karts and the followers has the cat bird seat,as they say,you can watch and just purely torture your victum,I love just going inside and outside,then drop back and watch the person in front try to figure out where u are gonna pass or try,they don't know when ur gonna make a run,three times in a row the person looks over one shoulder or the other,third time they useally go of or almost go off the track and then u drive right bye and useally I wave to them and say thanks...I ain't saying any more read a book...I like both Rick and Bubba,great talent both of them.piece out,chow.

[@team4official962]

I like you Ricky

[@mr.j8690]

nice...

[@hotdog8214]

What mad rc the best was he was very smart..

[@warrentimpson1546]

Also bubba career was some wat sabotaged by the league. Those who are in charge new that he could possibly add more achievements to his career. Unfortunately, many envy that of James.

[@ericd.4253]

Like beating the beloved MC 72 SX race wins! If James Stewart didn't win anymore championships he would have beaten that record!

[@acecheeks9495]

I feel Chad Reed sabotaged a lot of those races too... Straight up take out's!... you could tell he wasn't trying to pass at all just take james out...

[@pay2000]

FACT

[@telefunkenyou47]

Remember when Ricky got caught using illegal fuel and a back room deal was made which enabled Ricky escape the 25 point punishment and go on to win the championship? If not for that 25 points, Stewart would have won the championship that year.

[@RileyTheGamer]

I remember this, but what year was it? 06 maybe?

[@ethanhopper432]

If you ain't cheating you ain't tryin hard enough

[@galehess6676]

I'd say he used some juice in more than a few races. I saw this as a mountain biker watching his racing this evening (not a moto racer) you can just see it... something's up with his bikes performance... and coming from a cyclist... yeah, we can recognize juiced riding...

[@warrentimpson1546]

Ricky carmichael was the most accomplished, however James Stewart was by far the most talented rider.

[@Nitrous2280]

Always loved R.C hats off to that man much respect but stewart was my guy since he was an amateur to me r.c n bubba were the best ever

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

Stewart is the g.o.a.t

[@Zbubba]

js7 Legend

[@yamac488]

Bubba Yz He's far from being a legend. Was he really fucking fast? Yeah. Did he win a couple championships? Yep, and the field was weak as hell except for Reed. But Stew totally wiped his legacy with a shit covered rag when his ego got too big. He started worrying more about his TV show and impersonating a cop than he did about training and staying focused. His heart was never really in it, he was just at the races to make his appearance, leave on a stretcher and milk his sponsors for the last 7 or 8 years of his career.

[@Zbubba]

yamac488 This is your point of view !

[@yamac488]

Bubba Yz Right, but it's hard to argue facts. Bubba has 2 SX titles and 1 outdoor title, whereas someone like Carmichael has 5 SX and 7 outdoor titles. That's the difference between bubba and a legend

[@studdgage]

rc has 10 outdoor titles.

[@garrett3234]

yamac488 Js7 is regarded the fastest ever to do it. Second most supercross wins ahead of Ricky all time hows he not a legend.. Dungey won titles by never winning a lot butnis he a legend? Is Reed a legend? Is Emig a legend for winning one title when Mcgrath shitzuki threw a chain in the vegas finals. I mean come on Js7 is in the top 5 to ever do it

[@brendanredler3666]

Before watching this...is the answer, "Stay on your bike?"

[@justinlacek1481]

The only rider I've ever considered to be faster than JS7, at their respective peaks/top of their gamse, is Ricky Carmichael

[@tylerpifer5966]

What a dumb comment. How many titles does Ricky have vs James?

[@dickgribbe8926]

Not faster But more focus and much more stremgth

[@JW-ot5zq]

“Does he have pure talent?” Not sure if this dude is trolling

[@wilburguy12w]

Holy canoli someones been eating too many donuts!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

He was porky as a amateur hero also. After he turned pro, he contracted Johnny O'Mara to get him in shape, and the rest is amazing history. Think of it though, short, porky, red hair and freckles, --made the guy try harder. That is why I love individualism. :)

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

@Fred Wilkerson He wants Ricky to live lol

[@arielhernandez6711]

To me to of the best in all Conaway!!!!

[@johanalen]

Did Ralphie May ride dirt bikes!?

[@connor112]

This is greeeaaaat

[@cody.wuertzer]

U know James was fast when they made a video on how to beat him

[@loneventhorizon]

Would never mention Reed

[@rossd918]

For all the L's Ricky didn't take racing he definitely took them to his weight.. being humble looks slimmer on you G.O.A.T

[@wptapl1]

See Ricky's golf tournament on my channel

[@jaeatyet]

no, people knew it, they saw it... great racce

[@ajv802]

Carmichael has been really hitting the McDonalds

[@restricted1171]

Did you put this in black and white because Ricky is looking old af...lol jk

[@believe8263]

The thumbs down clicks are by Stewart's family.

[@blaster21996]

Ricky owned MX, Stewart owned Ricky in SX! Everyone knows this, but what I want to know is, why, at the top of your career do you quit? In 2006 you were still a young guy, you could have broken so many more records....you were fit as a pro racer ever was, you created the new generation of fit racers. It would of been nothing to maintain that level of fitness and soldier on to more wins....but, YOU QUIT! Why?

[@Minnesota7792]

blaster21996 same reason you made that comment. people make choices yo

[@blaster21996]

TJG SOS yo

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

@@blaster21996 RC didn't want to get beat by James no more and didn't want James to take his titles

[@addictedtoangling]

How the fuck did he get a crash helmet over that forehead

[@jessew6437]

sounds like bubba stopped completely tha time he wanted to give Ricky the win for rickys birthday because got payed off phat like this time was rickys bday present from rickys parents

[@kathysimonton5309]

Timmy?bosen took His adderall this morning??????????

[@samblack5313]

The respect he has for James is of the highest degree.

[@drn4971]

James wore RC out,Period

[@dwightray2617]

RC retired as a champ while James retired from crashing every race. James was way slower than RC on mx tracks. James only had a small edge on small tight supercross tracks and all he did was crash every race. Out of control isnt faster.

[@drn4971]

James took Racing to another level and was the fastest rider ever, He also change riding technique history with the bubba scub.

[@joshuahaynes7128]

Dwight Ray dude your high. James was way way way faster than rc period most experts say the same and former riders dude.

[@tg8150]

Joshua Haynes Is that why JS has more wins than RC? Wait, he doesn’t. So.......he’s not. 💩

[@richardpartin9378]

James was faster when he first started the 450 class but RC picked his speed up and they were pretty much even. Just watch the last supercross race of Carmichael’s career. James won. But RC stayed on his back tire the whole time. Is was an awesome race. And outdoors James was never as fast as Carmichael. Never.

[@user-fx1dt3ul4t]

Bubba was to fast for his own good, hence all the wrecks couldn't control his own speed....... boy howdy.....lol was great to watch though.

[@user-fx1dt3ul4t]

@Fred Wilkerson No, it's not smh

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

@Fred Wilkerson You're a casual cos Ricky wrecked a lot to.

[@pay2000]

Ricky not beat James... James beat James

[@ashleym2878]

Just complete the season James can't go fast without crashing

[@tommylee5806]

Ricky is the GOAT although my best friend did beat him back in 2001 at Budds Creek and he's been riding for 5 years, racing for 3, and he was his own mechanic.

[@slimjimmy693]

James is faster

[@fredgarvinMP]

You guys are both right.

[@Nateguy632]

Both correct as stated above

[@kathysimonton5309]

Cring In ur helmet?????666

[@kathysimonton5309]

James?stewart was on adderall?????????

[@rapscallion3421]

He was not on adderall in this point of his career, learn some facts drag queen. He is and always will be more successful and recognized than you could ever imagine being. People make choices...just like you did putting makeup on to cover up that busted canvis....choices.

[@shred46]

James Stewart races in his comfort zone? lol I thought Ricky retired early before James could take away his title and because he couldn't keep up with James

[@KingJamesVL]

Doctor Shred Lol James Stewart's doesn't have the drive to beat Ricky. Goat

[@nathanmcdonald1572]

Stewart maybe could have beaten RC for a Supercross title, but he never came close to beating Ricky for an outdoor title. RC was faster than James outdoors and way more consistent.

[@dk212]

In Ricky's last year, when he raced select Nationals he beat Stewart at EVERY SINGLE RACE.

[@footballinmysoul4822]

Haha lol, Stewart was at his absolute best when he raced Ricky, 04-08 was Stewarts prime, he was great on the Yamaha first couple of years to but he was in his prime on that Kawi, so i think Carmichael retired because he already had 150 AMA wins, and 16 AMA Championship, not because he was afraid of Stewart, they did 2005 sx and mx together, 2006 sx and mx together Ricky won all those championships, and half 2007 together where Ricky in the outdoor season won every single race he raced, it was 5 or 6 race he did.

[@MrCR500AF]

Ricky is older than James

[@bdwho3987]

rick your a puppet your pinky is apart from the others God's watchers see all

[@bdwho3987]

right at 1:00

[@bdwho3987]

at 1:00

[@spah24motorcycles68]

Bubba was faster. Enough said

[@mukinfagic69]

Spah24 Motorcycles Speed alone doesn't always win, Pichon and Tortelli were faster than Everts. Roczen is faster than Dungey

[@spah24motorcycles68]

Yeah, I do agree.. It's just that my heart goes with riders like Cooper or Magoo that put the heart and the speed over anything that a robotic rider like Dunjey. Cheers

[@nathanmcdonald1572]

Not outdoors he wasn't. Watch the entire 2006 nationals championship, RC flat out owned James.

[@dwightray2617]

James got smoked on large mx tracks. James only had a small edge on Ricky on small tight supercross tracks and he payed big time by constantly crashing almost every race.

[@twobeer3316]

@@spah24motorcycles68 I used to watch Cooper race almost every weekend, in 81-82. Magoo came to my local track in 81, after signing with Honda to race 125's. Great times !

[@randyevert1213]

didnt beat him like that always many times he got beat straight up by James especially in supercross good times.

[@spooge33]

RC didn't want to say it but he knew Bubba would eventually crash his brains out.

[@loneventhorizon]

the goat