The legendary Ricky Carmichael won’t defend his 2006 victory at Thunder Valley Motocross Park in Lakewood in this weekend’s AMA national motocross event.
Another elite-level racer, James Stewart, who finished third at Lakewood a year ago, could bow out because of injury.
The semi-retired Carmichael, who is on a part-time racing schedule while pursuing a career in stock-car racing, leads the series with 241 points on the strength of five wins in six races.
Stewart, winless on the year, is second with 225 points heading into the seventh race in the 12-race season.
Stewart sustained both internal and external injuries in a hard crash during practice last weekend in New Berlin, N.Y. He missed both motos Sunday, and veteran Kevin Windham went on to take top honors.
Stewart, who was second and fifth in last year’s motos in Lakewood, announced this week he would try to race at Lakewood.
“Each day I feel better and better,” he said in a press release issued by his team. “My mobility has gotten a lot better and I think if it continues going this way, I will be ready for this weekend.”
Kawasaki manager Mike Fisher added: “Our team goal is to be out there this weekend ready to race. And although that is our focus right now, the safety of our riders will always come first. If James is not feeling race-ready on Sunday, we will have to look at our options.”
This weekend’s event begins with Saturday’s practice, which Stewart plans to participate in to secure a qualifying position for Sunday’s two motos.
Carmichael, the defending series champion, swept last year’s races in Colorado. David Millsaps was third and second, respectively, in edging Stewart for second overall.
Staff writer Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
AMA Pro Motocross National
At Thunder Valley, Lakewood
Schedule:
Saturday: 1 p.m. – Practice and qualifying
Sunday: 9 a.m. – Pro heat races
1 p.m. – AMA pro national
Tickets
$40-$60 (two-day adult), $20-$40 (two-day child), $30 (Sunday adult), $15 (Sunday child), available at, King Soopers and various Front Range motorcycle outlets.
Information
303-988-5026 or
