Carmichael Reflects on 2006: Losing the World Supercross Championship to James Stewart but Winning the AMA Supercross Championship

The 2006 Supercross season was a rollercoaster year for Ricky Carmichael. While he added another AMA Supercross Championship to his legendary career, he also faced fierce competition from James Stewart and had to settle for second place in the FIM World Supercross GP Championship. Looking back, Carmichael sees the season as both a challenge and a learning experience.

Carmichael entered the 2006 season as the defending AMA and World Supercross Champion, but it was clear from the start that Stewart was going to be a major threat. The young Kawasaki rider had found his rhythm in the premier class and was pushing the pace at every round. While Carmichael’s consistency had been his greatest weapon throughout his career, Stewart’s raw speed was undeniable.

The two rivals battled fiercely throughout the season, delivering some of the most memorable races in Supercross history. In the World Supercross GP standings, Stewart managed to edge out Carmichael, marking a turning point in their rivalry. However, in the AMA Supercross Championship—arguably the more prestigious title—Carmichael’s relentless consistency and experience paid off. Despite the pressure from Stewart and Chad Reed, he secured the title with smart race management and a well-calculated approach.

Reflecting on the season, Carmichael acknowledges that losing the World Supercross GP title was disappointing, but winning the AMA championship was still a huge accomplishment. “It was a tough season, and James really stepped up that year,” Carmichael has said in past interviews. “But for me, winning the AMA Supercross Championship was the ultimate goal, and I’m proud of how we handled the competition.”

The 2006 season showcased the passing of the torch in some ways, as Stewart was emerging as the next dominant force in Supercross. However, Carmichael’s resilience and determination solidified his place as one of the sport’s greatest riders. Despite losing one title, he proved once again why he was called the GOAT—Greatest of All Time.