Kawasaki marks 25 years since RC’s breakthrough 2001 Supercross title

Kawasaki Honours Carmichael’s 2001 Title

Monster Power Kawasaki will mark the twenty fifth anniversary of Ricky Carmichael’s 2001 AMA Supercross Championship with a devoted show on the San Diego spherical of the 2026 Monster Power AMA Supercross Championship on Saturday, January 17

Central to the commemoration will probably be Carmichael’s unique 2001 KX250SR, the machine that carried him to his first premier-class Supercross title and some of the dominant seasons the championship has seen.

2001 Kawasaki KX250SR – Ricky Carmichael

The show will probably be accompanied by a 2026 KX450SR duplicate fitted with period-inspired graphics, providing a visible hyperlink between Kawasaki’s previous and current manufacturing facility efforts.

2026 Kawasaki KX450SR to be raced by Chase Sexton in Ricky Carmichael twenty fifth anniversary livery

Present Monster Power Kawasaki riders Chase Sexton and Garrett Marchbanks can even run comparable one-off graphics on their KX450SR machines for the San Diego spherical, acknowledging the importance of the venue and the milestone.

2001 KX250SR: No digital rider aids.
2026 KX450SR: Contains selectable engine maps, traction management and launch management programs.

San Diego holds specific relevance in Carmichael’s profession. It was on the Qualcomm Stadium spherical in 2001 that he claimed the opening win of the season, setting the tone for a marketing campaign through which he received 14 of 16 races and completed on the rostrum at each spherical. That season marked Carmichael’s transition from a profitable 250SX rider to the dominant drive within the premier class, reshaping expectations of consistency and efficiency in Supercross.

2001 Kawasaki KX250SR – Ricky Carmichael

The 2001 title was Carmichael’s first within the premier Supercross class and the start of an period that might outline trendy Supercross racing. His outcomes that yr stay a benchmark, not just for wins however for sustained competitiveness throughout a whole season.

2001 KX250SR: No digital rider aids. Throttle, clutch and rider enter alone dictated efficiency.
2026 KX450SR: Contains selectable engine maps, traction management and launch management programs.

By revisiting the unique KX250SR and pairing it with a contemporary KX450SR tribute, Kawasaki is highlighting the continuity of its Supercross program and the lasting affect of Carmichael’s 2001 season on the game.