It’s great to see you here in the UK, when were you last here?"It was in 2013 when I ran leg of the Ricky Carmichael University for the first time ever in the UK at Fat Cat Motoparc. It was a great opportunity and co-organised by former 125cc World Champion Jamie Dobb.”Rocking up to the Arena, and jumping on to a stock RM-Z450 cold, he proved just why he’s considered the greatest as he literally threw the Suzuki over the GAS ramps, grabbing massive air-time, pulling jaw-dropping and, at times, heart-stopping whips. Here he talks about his career, his greatest achievements, his devotion to family; and his move from the RM-Z Suzuki saddle to co-owner of the RCH Suzuki Factory Racing team.19TEAM SUZUKI RACING NEWSTeam Suzuki Racing caught-up with Ricky Carmichael at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK when the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T) was competing in the GAS Arena alongside the regular FAny more Ricky Carmichael schools to come in the UK in the future?“I would love to bring the RCU back and I would say that we will be back at some point.”How did this connection with Goodwood come about?“I’m proud to be a fourth generation Floridian and I do quite a bit of work for Visit Florida. They invited me over here to help promote the State.”What are your impressions of the event and GAS?“It’s an amazing spectacle for sure. I’ve always heard about it. It’s something very cool to see and taking part in GAS has been a great experience. It’s an awesome and fun set-up from FMX. It has a really cool vibe. The rain put a damper on programme but we still got to meet plenty of fans.”MX to trials and BMX crew. You’re riding the hill climb. What machine are you riding?“A stock Rdifferent from everything else that’s running on that tarmac.”We understand the Suzuki is virtually out of the crate and you only saw it for the Thrst time on the opening day of the event. How was it jumping on bike virtually cold and going straight into whips?How was it riding with the FMX guys?“Fantastic. guys and we’re just having a good time. I don’t know that I like the train too much, so it’s a bit nerve wracking.Could you back Thip?“I think I could and I’ve always wanted to try it, but honestly, I’m too scared to do so!”You retired in 2007 at the age of 27, why then?“It was my decision. I was happy with what I’d accomplished and the time was right.What’s your greatest achievement?“Having children. a boy and girl, named Kadin and Elise.”And on a motorcycle?“Any time I won a first major championship, like the 125cc Supercross. Also my two perfect seasons in 2002 and 2004.”How was transition from racer to team owner?“It was a massive one. Honestly, it’s a lot easier being a rider and a lot harder from the other side of the handlebars. M-Z450 and let’s say it’s a little “It was okay really. It’s a pretty easy thing for me to do as I still enjoy it all. It brought out the showman in me.”They’re a bunch of great laidback We have nine-year-old twins, That first year in 2013 with Broc Tickle and Josh Hill was challenging as there are a lot of moving parts to a team, everything needs to flow, everyone needs to be kept happy and there are a lot of personalities to consider.”“I do miss the fans, particularly performing and racing in front of them. Some days I miss certain aspects like training and being accountable for a programme. I miss the structure of knowing exactly what you’re doing, of what is expected of you and being on a schedule. For sure though, I don’t miss the travelling.”You’re having great success with the RCH Suzuki Factory Racing team in America with team partner Carey Hart, and Ken Roczen dominating so far; what are your future plans?“Definitely our plan is to stay with Suzuki, it’s been a great partnership. We also need to keep being a title contender team each year, fighting for championships.” Between running the team and working as supercross commentator, do you have time to do anything else?“My schedule is very busy. Sometimes it’s hectic to juggle all the moving parts but I do have time to work with the guys at the training facility and try to inspire young riders. It’s also import that I find time for myself and my family – my little boy rides for fun.”Obviously you are still a great rider – and have so many fans across theglobe – do you miss the riding side?How do you compensate for not racing?These days I get my fix just from going to the “races, working with the team or working with TV – it’s enough now.”Ricky Carmichael was talking to Jenni Foulkes. Photography: Phil Sills.Season Review #1
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