1997 Orlando 125cc Main (Ricky Carmichael's 2nd Career 125cc Win)

This is the 125cc Main Event from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL. This is the very first Supercross race I ever watched on ESPN2. This race was sent to me by Scootercross66.
In 1997, Pro Circuit Kawasaki rookie Ricky Carmichael #70 was having a decent rookie 125cc Supercross season. The 17-year old Florida native had a rude beginning to his season at Indianapolis when he finished a lowly 19th place (2 points). The winner was Team Yamaha's John Dowd #14. One week later at Atlanta, Ricky proved he was a fast learner.
All Carmichael needed was a good start; he got one. Carmichael battled with Team Suzuki's Tim Ferry #22 and passed him en route to his first career 125cc Supercross win. Unfortunately at Daytona, Carmichael crashed in the first turn and came from last to 6th in the 22-man field. At this point, Ricky was around 6th in the series while John Dowd led the series by 2 pts. over Tim Ferry (68-66).
Here at Orlando, Ricky Carmichael pulled his first holeshot of his career. Ricky would lead all 15 laps en route to his 2nd career win of the season. Carmichael went unchallenged for the win, but a war brewed up behind him for 2nd place. #28 Brian Deegan of the Moto XXX team (riding an RM125) started 2nd behind Ricky. Deegan, who won the 2nd L.A. race on the West earlier in the year, fell back to around 7th at race's end. Ferry and Dowd battled for 2nd, but Ferry got 2nd place in a bold move on Dowd towards the end of the race. Dowd would drop to 4th. Team Honda's Scott Sheak #29 got by Dowd for 3rd.
At season's end, it was Tim Ferry who won the 125cc East Supercross Championship. A hand injury ended John Dowd's Supercross season with 3 events to go. Honda of Troy's Stephane Roncada #112 would win the next 2 events at St. Louis and Pontiac, and Carmichael would win the final round at Charlotte. Ferry would use 5 2nd place finishes, a 3rd, and a 5th to become the first rider since Willy Surratt in 1985 to win a 125cc Supercross title without a victory. Sadly, due to a dumb rule change, Tim Ferry was not allowed to defend his 125cc East Supercross title for 1998. Ferry would lose his Factory Suzuki ride and be forced to ride for Noleen Yamaha in the 250cc class for 1998.
Enjoy.

[@johntomasik1555]

The beginning of the end for a lot of title candidates. Always wished I started racing early to be a pro, but glad I didn't do it during the RC era. And no, I'm not Kevin Windham....

[@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames]

Not sure who you mean for those title candidates, but the only one I can think of is John Dowd because he injured his hand before St. Louis the very next week.

[@user-tv1le7sw2l]

Art Eckmann and David Bailey and Marty Reid were a good 3some. Did anyone notice Ricky rides with his shirt tail out? I wonder if J Anderson got that from the goat. I wish somebody would restore those great races to 2023 quality.

[@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames]

I admit Marty Reid had this energy that I just fed off of myself. I liked him as pit reporter and totally miss him to this day.
I noticed RC had that shirt tail out for the longest time; I wouldn't doubt JA21 got that from RC.

[@ryanconnell4346]

This was the year I was born

[@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames]

And this was the very race where I became a huge fan. My first ever race watching on TV.

[@crazypolite]

How many times ex-racing commentators are jealous of Carmichael and chirp him in his early pro days.. my goodness it's so obvious

[@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames]

Well, to be fair, those who said RC was destined for greatness weren't wrong.

[@donbrashsux]

Scott shriek RiP

[@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames]

It's Scott Sheak, not "shriek".

[@donbrashsux]

MM 2nd

[@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames]

I think you mean Tim Ferry because he finished 2nd.