The 2002 Washougal National Motocross, 7/28/02

Record Crowd Shows Up At Washougal To Witness Another Page In The Motocross History Books Written By Honda’s Ricky Carmichael

Record now stands at 18 straight motos, while rookie Stewart (Kawasaki) goes 3-1 for the overall in the 125cc class at National Promoters Group’s pacific northwest track

WASHOUGAL, Wash., (July 28, 2002) – The National Promoters Group produced and promoted Washougal round of the AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships enjoyed another massive crowd – this time on Sunday in great state of Washington. In fact, the 22,505 in attendance was the largest crowd ever to witness a race in the 22-year history of the track, nestled amongst the majestic pines with Mt. Hood looming in the background.

"We’ve never had a crowd this big," said longtime promoter and NPG member Ralph Huffman. "In fact, early this morning we were calling on our neighbors and getting tractors out to mow some of their fields to handle all of the cars. The sport of motocross is certainly popular here in the pacific northwest – our greatest turnout to date!"

At risk of sounding like a broken record, Carmichael – well – broke another record by logging his 17^th and 18^th straight moto wins. A truly phenomenal feat for the young Floridian rider who owns the longest 250cc winning streak in AMA motocross racing history.

"He’s definitely in a league of his own right now," said Kyle Lewis, who finished third overall in the 250 class – his first podium of the year. Added Team Yamaha’s Tim Ferry, who finished second to Carmichael: "I had a couple bad starts and that’s all Ricky needs to take over and run away with it." Ferry, who has six podium finishes this year, is in second place in the overall points chase behind Carmichael.

Again, the 125 class featured the best racing of the day as Kawasaki’s James Stewart overcame a couple bad starts and fought through the pack for a well-deserved 3-1 finish and the overall title. "Yeah, I earned it today – definitely my toughest race of the year," he said.

Finishing in third place in the 125 class and, more importantly, taking over second place in the overall points chase was Suzuki’s Branden Jesseman. Second place overall in the 125 race at Washougal went to Yamaha’s Larry Ward – his best finish of the year.

The Outdoor Nationals takes a couple weeks off before make its next stop on Sunday, August 19th, at Spring Creek Motocross Park in Millville, Minn.

250cc National
1. Ricky Carmichael, Honda
2. Tim Ferry, Yamaha
3. Kyle Lewis, Yamaha
4. Nathan Ramsey, Honda
5. Robbie Reynard, Honda
6. John Dowd, KTM
7. Mike LaRocco, Honda
8. Nick Wey, Yamaha
9. Sean Hamblin, Suzuki
10. Ezra Lusk, Kawasaki

Point standings (after nine of 12 rounds): 1. Ricky Carmichael, 450. 2. Tim Ferry, 349. 3. Ezra Lusk, 309. 4. Sebastien Tortelli, 283. 5. Kyle Lewis, 257.

125cc National
1. James Stewart, Jr., Kawasaki
2. Larry Ward, Yamaha
3. Branden Jesseman, Suzuki
4. Ernesto Fonseca, Honda
5. Matt Walker, Kawasaki
6. Eric Sorby, Kawasaki
7. Billy Laninvich, KTM
8. Buddy Antunez, Suzuki
9. Brock Sellards, KTM
10. Chad Reed, Yamaha

Point standings (after nine of 12 rounds): 1. James Stewart, 382. 2. Branden Jesseman, 298. 3. Chad Reed, 288. 4. Ernesto Fonseca, 275. 5. Danny Smith, 237.