Ricky Carmichael Amateur SX – Photo Report
Photos and captions by Billy Rainford
The Ricky Carmichael Amateur SX (RCSX) has grown over the last few years, to say the least. It’s always been a very attractive prospect to be able to ride a supercross track after the Pros have had their turn. This whole scenario has taken that idea to the next level and turned the RCSX into an annual ‘can’t miss’ event on the calendar.
Riders from all over North America and other parts of the world descended upon the Daytona International Speedway track this past Sunday and Monday to test themselves on one of the toughest ‘indoor’ tracks we have. The length of the course was shortened drastically from years past in order to accommodate the live television package, but it didn’t hamper the racing competition.
The weather was sunny and warm for both days and, amazingly, they managed to get the massive schedule finished before dark Monday evening. I didn’t have actual track access (don’t ask) so these shots are all taken from as close to the action as my pass would allow.
Here’s a closer look at the RCSX:
The races namesake, Ricky Carmichael, has got to be pleased with the growth in entries and overall importance the event has seen.
Canadian Ken Essex (right) is rolling pretty heavy these days with the likes of Jeremy McGrath.
Tim Cotter did a great job running the lengthy riders’ meeting before the racing got started on Sunday.
Of course, there are only so many industry introductions a youngster can handle.
Everyone hunkered down and listened politely…
Jeff Emig got up and welcomed everyone to the event.
All the main sponsors got their turns on the mic.
And then RC, himself, said a few words and the racing got underway.
There were a few Canadians racing, including #20 Jeremy Mckie out of Beloeil, Quebec. He finished 20th in 85cc (9-11) and 25th in 85 (9-13) Open. Sponsors: Amnesia Oakley Canada TLD Seven Kutvek Amerika Axxel Suspension MCBEC SMX KTM Canada Format Boots.
I saw Machine Racing stickers and red numbers so I went up and introduced myself to #47 Mark Thompson from Nobleton, Ontario. He was racing the 450C +21 class but I watched him pull of mid-way through his qualifier and then he’s given a DNS in the main. Sponsors: bailey motorsports, rich kreziem22, my wallet.
His buddy #823 Matthew Sarracini from the same town almost grabbed this holeshot in the same qualifier. He also received a DNS in the final. Sponsors: bailey motorsports, rich kreziem22, my wallet.
#35 Joey Crown isn’t Canadian but we’re all familiar with his and his father’s (Matt Crown) Parts Canada TransCan results. The Michigan rider finished 5th in 250B and then won the Schoolboy 2 (13-16) final.
It was cool to see one of our Pro riders lined up in the A classes at the RCSX. #34 MX101 Fox Yamaha’s Dylan Wright put himself in the mix with a very talented group of riders. He didn’t get the starts he needed to compete at the front and finished 17th in 250 and 13th in 450. Sponsors: Mx101, Yamaha Canada, Fox Canada, EKS brand goggles, Decal works, GYTR, Atlas Brace.
#184 Royal Distributing Fox KTM rider Tanner Ward just missed the Schoolboy 1 final after finishing 5th in the LCQ and then grabbed 8th in the Supermini (12-16) final.
I can’t believe I actually missed both Marco Cannella and Austin Watling on the track. I’m really sorry about that. Then they both go out and have strong races in their finals!
#46 Marco Cannella – Waterdown, ON
Schoolboy 2 (13-16): 11th
Schoolboy 1 (12-16): 6th
#424 Austin Watling – Corunna, ON
#71 Challen Tennant won the Schoolboy 1 (12-16) final.
#457 Darian Sanayei proved he is one to watch in 2015 by winning the 250 All Stars, 450A, and taking 3rd in 250A.
Here’s what he looks like.
#216 Tristan Charboneau raced both A classes and took 9th and 3rd.
Here’s Dylan Wright leading Sanayei in a 250A heat on Sunday.
#46 Jazzmyn Canfield could be another young girl to watch in the future. Her always attacking style got her the Girls (9-13) win and then she got 27th in Mini Sr.
#411 Nick Romano took the 65 (7-9) while #79 Jett Reynolds to the 85 (9-11).
The other #411 Crockett Myers (you heard me!) has a style that belies his age. He took 2nd in 65 (10-11).
#352 Jalek Swoll has a buttery smooth style of his own and won Mini Sr. 1 and 2 and then got 6th in Supermini.
#99 Lance Kobusch would take Supermini (12-16).
#325 Stilez Robertson won 85 (9-13) Open and took 2nd in Mini Sr. 1 and 2.
It’s not always easy. This rider, Brett Gourley, had his rear wheel lock up on him. I was impressed with how he kept his cool.
#49 Devon Stodart came out guns-a-blazin’ Sunday and won both his heats. He wound up 4th and 6th in 85 (9-13) Open and Mini Sr. 1.
#235 Chase Bell took 2nd in 250 All Stars and 4th in 250A.
I enjoy watching #936 Ty Masterpool ride. He may be small but he rides that thing like he’s 20-feet tall! He took 2nd in 85 (9-13) Open and 2nd in Mini Sr. 2.
#214 Austin Forkner won 250B, finished 2nd in Schoolboy 2, and 3rd in 250 All Stars.
It was a great couple days of racing. I hope more Canadians get the chance to line up in the future. Nothing makes you faster than seeing what it takes to be the best! See you at the races…
