Suzuki steals Carmichael.

The American Suzuki Motor Corporation has pulled off one of the surprise deals of the motocross season by announcing that all-time supercross/motocross champion Ricky Carmichael has signed a multi-year agreement to join Team Suzuki from the 2005 AMA 'indoor' season.

"We're absolutely thrilled that Ricky Carmichael will be a part of Team Suzuki in the future," said ASMC vice-president Mel Harris, "Hiring him demonstrates Suzuki's commitment to putting our SX/MX team back on the racing map.

With ten AMA championships, including the past seven consecutive national titles, under his belt, the 24-year old Carmichael was just as excited about joining Team Suzuki and racing the RM250.

Despite sitting out 2004 with injury, 'RC' said he was confident not only in his own ability to win more championships, but also in working with a team as committed as Suzuki. He's also looking forward to working with MX legend Roger DeCoster.

"This is a very exciting time for me," Carmichael admitted, "The agreement is multi-faceted, and Suzuki will be extremely supportive of me from a racing, marketing and business standpoint."

Suzuki team manager DeCoster confirmed that Carmichael's excitement was reciprocated, as he looked forward to working with the much-celebrated champion.
"I'm elated," he said, "Ricky is such a talented rider with tremendous work ethic which will be a great example for Team Suzuki's young riders.

"I realise it won't be easy for him to come back and win after being off due to injury, but I have confidence in Ricky and in how much effort I know that he's going to put into winning," DeCoster added.

The agreement will become effective from 1 November 2004.