Carmichael wins head-to-head with Chad Reed

AMA Supercross title contenders Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed have competed head-to-head for the first time this season, with Carmichael coming out victorious.

It took the third trip this season to the Anaheim track for battle to commence. Both riders had to pass early race leader Michael Byrne, with Carmichael maintaining a short lead until a mistake allowed the Yamaha rider to close up. Carmichael showed his experience by keeping his cool and pulling out a small lead on his younger rival, taking the win by less than a second.

Third was Reed’s Yamaha team mate David Vuillemin, followed by early leader Byrne, and Ezra Lusk.

World 250cc Motocross champ Mickael Pickon was acquitting himself well all weekend, but in the main event a crash at the start left him with a broken front brake lever, and forced his retirement.

Pickon was not the only rider in the wars, with Sebastien Tortelli, Tim Ferry and Mike LaRocco all hitting the dirt.

In the 125cc race, James Stewart Jr took his fourth straight win, taking the lead from Frenchman Eric Sorby after the first few corners. Stewart then proceeded to lap everyone, up to seventh place, winning the race by 21.509 seconds.

Reigning champion Travis Preston fought his way to second place, from starting in 11th.

Sorby finished third, ahead of Matt Walker and Billy Laninovich.

250cc Main event:

1) Carmichael. 2) Reed. 3) Vuillemin. 4) Byrne. 5) Lusk. 6) Roncada. 7) Sellards. 8) Voss. 9) Fonseca. 10) Wey. 11) Johnson. 12) Vallejo. 13) Ward. 14) Lyttle. 15) Tortelli.

125cc Main event:

1) Stewart. 2) preston. 3) Sorby. 4) Walker. 5) Laninovich. 6) Hamblin. 7) Pingree. 8) Hansen. 9) Lacey. 10) Smith.