Carmichael named AMA SPEED Athlete of the Year

So it was only fitting that none other than Suzuki factory pilot Ricky Carmichael took the top honor in Las Vegas Sunday at the AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet, taking home the coveted AMA SPEED Athlete of the Year Award in a hall packed with his peers, fellow champions and industry luminaries.

Topping a list of nominees that included flat-tracker and world's fastest motorcyclist Chris Carr, AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Josh Hayes, AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies and Motocross Lites Champion Ryan Villopoto, Carmichael is the GOAT--the greatest of all time in AMA Toyota Motocross.

The award caps an all-conquering career by Carmichael, who retires from racing for the championship this year but will continue to run a limited schedule for 2007.

"In 10 years, I've had a lot of fun, and it's been a lot of hard work, and I don't regret a minute of it,'' Carmichael said, holding the Rolex watch that comes with the award. "I've had an amazing career, and I know this is the last time I'll have a chanced to be up here for this award. This journey has been amazing."

After multiple championships and more motocross wins than any other rider, Carmichael is stepping back and trying his hand at car racing. But he says his heart will always be with motorcycle competition, in which he won titles on three brands of motorcycle: Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki..

"It's been very, very, very special,'' he says. "I've associated myself with great people, and I've met a lot of great people. Everywhere I've been, I still have great friends. I just want to thank everyone."

Also, it was revealed at the banquet that Carmichael and his wife were expecting twins, adding even another chapter to his life.

"With where I am in my life and the way it's changing,'' he said, "I think this a great change. I'm very excited."

The banquet honored every champion in every class of AMA Pro Racing: Motocross, Supercross, road racing, Supermoto and Hillclimb. In addition, several special awards were announced.

The AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence went to Rick Hobbs of Erion Racing, who built the motorcycles Josh Hayes used to win the road-racing Formula Xtreme Championship.

The AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year award went to Jere Starks, who organized several charity track days at Infineon Raceway to raise more than $100,000 for injured road-racer Vince Haskovec.

In addition, several advertising agencies were honored for creativity in creating ads promoting the sport. One Industries won for best ad; The Creative Works won for best ad campaign in conjunction with Honda, and Daily & Associates won special recognition for its ads for Honda.

The banquet capped the AMA Las Vegas Invasion, which included the AMA Sports Awards Banquet, the AMA Maxxis Endurocross and the AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet.