Carmichael to miss Supercross season

The ‘Rossi’ of the U.S. off-road championships, Ricky Carmichael, will miss the 2003-2004 season after injuring himself in a crash this week.

The 2003 AMA 250 MX and SX champion has a torn knee ligament after his fall at a test track in California. This will require surgery when the current swelling subsides and means Carmichael, with 12 U.S. championships to his name, will not be appearing at the two European rounds of the World Championship. The American also won back-to-back AMA MX and SX championship in 2001 and 2002. His record-breaking perfect season in 2002 saw him take 12 wins in a row.

The season kicks off on December 6 at the Estadio Olympico stadium in Spain, with round two at the Gelredome in Arnhem in Holland on December 13. These two European rounds are followed by 15 rounds in America. The season finishes on May 5 in Las Vegas.

For the full list of World and AMA Supercross dates, follow the link on the right.

Do you think Carmichael’s absence will be good for the sport after his three consecutive double championship wins? Post your thoughts on the Off Road discussion board by following the link on the right.