Carmichael Calls Stewart’s Tampa Victory a ‘Fluke,’ Doubts His Ability to Compete Against Today’s Elite Riders

Ricky Carmichael, a name synonymous with motocross greatness, has stirred the pot once again with controversial comments regarding James Stewart’s victory in Tampa. Carmichael, a 15-time AMA Motocross Champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time, has publicly dismissed Stewart’s win, arguing that it was merely a fluke, largely due to the absence of top riders like Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen. His sharp criticism has reignited the debate about Stewart’s ability to compete with the current generation of motocross athletes, particularly those who have dominated the sport in recent years.

 

Stewart’s victory in Tampa, which has been hailed as a moment of redemption for the rider, was seen by many as a return to form after a long hiatus from racing. However, Carmichael’s take on the situation is anything but celebratory. He pointed out that the race was significantly impacted by the injuries to key competitors, including Tomac and Roczen, who have been among the most consistent and successful riders in recent seasons. With these top athletes sidelined, Carmichael suggested that Stewart’s triumph was more about the circumstances than his true capabilities as a rider.

 

Speaking in an interview, Carmichael expressed his doubts about Stewart’s potential to keep up with today’s top riders. He emphasized that the level of competition in modern motocross has evolved, with athletes like Tomac, Roczen, and others pushing the boundaries of the sport. According to Carmichael, Stewart’s performance on the track today would be inadequate compared to the “tough” riders that make up the current elite group.

 

For Carmichael, the argument centers not only on the injuries that sidelined key riders but also on the ever-increasing physical and mental demands that modern motocross places on its competitors. The sport has seen a major evolution in recent years, with advances in bike technology, training methods, and race strategies leading to a new level of intensity that was not present when Stewart was at the peak of his career. Carmichael, who retired in 2007, believes that the current generation is far tougher, more resilient, and more adaptable to the pressures of professional racing.

 

While Carmichael’s comments may seem harsh to some, they echo a longstanding belief that Stewart’s career, though impressive, was often marked by inconsistency. Despite his immense talent, Stewart’s tenure in motocross has been plagued by injuries and sporadic performances, which have led some to question his ability to maintain a competitive edge over a prolonged period of time. For Carmichael, Stewart’s Tampa win does not erase the larger picture of his career, and he maintains that Stewart would struggle to compete with today’s top-tier athletes if they were all at full strength.

 

The debate surrounding Stewart’s place in the sport’s hierarchy is not new. Throughout his career, Stewart has been both praised for his raw talent and criticized for his inability to consistently perform at the highest level. However, it’s clear that Carmichael’s comments add fuel to the fire, especially given his status as a revered figure in motocross history.

 

In response to Carmichael’s remarks, Stewart’s supporters have come out in defense of the 2009 AMA Supercross Champion, pointing to his unparalleled skill and undeniable impact on the sport. Whether or not Stewart can silence his critics and prove his doubters wrong remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over who truly belongs at the top of motocross is far from over.

 

With riders like Tomac and Roczen continuing to dominate, the motocross world will no doubt be watching closely to see how Stewart fares in the future, as the sport’s fiercest competition shows no signs of slowing down.