Suzuki Announces Ricky Carmichael Continues As Brand Ambassador
PRESS RELEASE: Brea, Calif, (November
7, 2017) - Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) announced
today that Ricky Carmichael will continue his role as Brand
Ambassador. Carmichael, nicknamed the "GOAT" (Greatest Of All
Time) is a highly respected, multi-time AMA Supercross and
Motocross champion and AMA Hall of Fame member who has filled the
ambassador position with Suzuki
since his retirement from active racing after the 2007 season. The
agreement for Carmichael to continue his relationship with Suzuki
is multi-year.
Suzuki is redefining its motocross brand in the United States
through a number of initiatives including grass roots support and a
more clearly defined path for riders to advance from amateur to
professional levels. Carmichael will continue to be an integral
part of Suzuki's efforts including the RM Army initiative - the
umbrella under which Suzuki racing support resides. The Camp
Carmichael program, an exclusive Suzuki offering, will continue
with Carmichael providing personal coaching for riders who qualify
on Suzuki RM and
RM-Z race bikes. As a champion who rose to prominence through
amateur racing, it's fitting that Ricky will continue to provide
guidance to
Suzuki Amateur Elite Team riders.
In support of Suzuki's all-new factory racing program in the U.S.,
Carmichael will also interact with Autotrader / Yoshimura / Suzuki
Racing team management at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) as well as the
contracted racers directly. This adds to the solid start the JGR
group has had since the team was announced in September.
A significant portion of Carmichael's responsibility with Suzuki
will be product development and feedback. With the recent
announcement that Suzuki
Motor Corporation (SMC) was suspending participation in the
MXGP and All-Japan MX championships, a greater portion of the
development and refinement of the company's motocross models has
shifted to Suzuki in the United States.
"We are fortunate to have Ricky as a resource to improve our
products and represent the company in the United States," said
Kerry Graeber, Suzuki's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
"Ricky's success and voice in the motocross world is unparalleled.
Suzuki is the winningest bike in U.S. motocross over the past
decade and RC is a huge part of that success. We are stoked to
continue our fruitful relationship with Ricky into the foreseeable
future."
Carmichael echoed Graeber's comments. "I won championships and
wrapped up my racing career on a Suzuki, so obviously the brand is
near to my heart," said Carmichael. "With the increased emphasis
and importance on Suzuki in the U.S., I am looking forward to doing
what I can to help further develop its products and racing
success."
Carmichael's team, RCH Racing which he founded with freestyle
motocross legend Carey Hart, won the 2016 AMA Motocross
Championship. Carmichael and Hart closed the team at the conclusion
of the 2017 racing season.
In addition to his expanded role with Suzuki, Carmichael will
continue to contribute to the motorcycle industry and sport though
the Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross, the Ricky
Carmichael University, and other charitable endeavors. For
additional information about Ricky and his activities, please visit
http://www.rickycarmichael.com/
The 2018 AMA Supercross season begins on January 6, 2018 at Anaheim
Stadium.