Ricky Carmichael became a full time professional motocross racer in 1996. He competed in the 125cc class where in 1998, he won every race he entered, making it his first perfect season. just one year later, in 1999, Carmichael decided to move up to the 250cc class. At first, he was not exactly on par with the seasoned veterans, but when he reworked his training ethics, Ricky Carmichael became almost unstopable.

In 2002 he became the first motocross rider in history to have a perfect motocross season, winning 24 straight outdoor national motos. Ricky Carmichael then left team Kawasaki after 10-plus years to join Team Honda as the highest paid proffesional racer to date.