Posted on February 13, 2012 by John. There have been comments

While this is undoubtedly an exciting time in the 2012 motocross season - for fans and riders alike - it is important to remember the accomplishments of yesteryear, as well as to reflect upon some of the athletes who helped shape the sport into what it's become today. With that in mind, and with both Anaheim rounds completed for the year, let's pay homage to the 2001 AMA Supercross Series and its two races at Anaheim, which just so happens to feature a showdown between two of motorsport's biggest names: Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael.

Jeremy McGrath made the first move at Anaheim 1 in 2001, all but paving his way to the 2001 AMA Supercross Championship. Carmichael wasn't about to let that happen without a fight, however, and he promptly claimed the first place victory in San Diego the following weekend.

Their return to Anaheim prompted a media firestorm. The pair - two of the best athletes the sport has ever seen - were neck and neck, and they were battling it out for first place in a heated matchup. The stage was set for a 20-lap race at Angel Stadium, and while there were plenty of other racers competing - all eyes were on the battle between McGrath and Carmichael.

McGrath managed to snag the holeshot in Anaheim 2, and the bout was underway. Carmichael stayed close behind, however, and very quickly pulled ahead. He could only stay ahead of the pack for a few short laps, and McGrath soon reclaimed his lead. The two were in such a heated race - and racing so close to each other - that their bikes even connected at one point.

Carmichael managed to pull ahead after their brief collision, but he actually let McGrath catch up on the next turn - a classy move, to say the least. The two battled furiously for the lead over the course of the remaining two laps of the event, and Carmichael was unable to pull ahead. McGrath ended up winning the main event at Anaheim 2, and said in a post-race interview, “If we have to fight for it, then that's what we'll do.”

With that victory, McGrath had both events at Anaheim under his belt as well as the lead in points for the 2001 AMA Supercross Series. The battle between McGrath and Carmichael was not over yet, however, and, completely unbeknownst to anybody, the victory at Anaheim 2 would be McGrath's final supercross win of his career.

Carmichael went on to win the next round of the 2001 AMA Supercross Series, which took place in Phoenix, Arizona, the following weekend. He also surprised everyone in a miraculous come-from-behind win at Anaheim 3, and he ended up finishing the 2001 season with a streak of 13 wins. Carmichael went on to win the 2001 AMA Supercross Championship.

2001 was a remarkable year in the world of motocross. The season-long battle between Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath was only one of many highlights in an action packed racing season, and we may never again have the pleasure of seeing a battle as exhilarating as the one between these two motocross legends.