How about an errant haybale? Carmichael had gone undefeated in his career at the Glen Helen circuit in California, but on the first lap of the first moto in 2001, a bale tumbled onto the track, and Ricky ran into it, knocking him off the top of the massive Mt. St. Helens hill. He recovered but finished out of the top five, eliminating him from a shot at the overall. The win went to Team Yamaha’s Timmy Ferry. The challenges continued. Team Honda’s Sebastian Tortelli, who battled RC for the championship a bit in 2000, won Hangtown, and then in yet another muddy race at High Point, Yamaha’s David Vuillemin won for the second year in a row. Suzuki’s Kevin Windham was riding strong through the early season, as well, leaving a five-rider pack at the front of the nationals.

Carmichael finally got an overall win at round four at Southwick, while Tortelli crashed and handed over the points lead. That was all RC needed, as he then reeled off five-straight victories. Windham stayed close, though, and at Washougal he beat Carmichael in two superb head-to-head races to claim the overall.

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