Ricky Carmichael might have won the 2003 AMA Supercross Championship with a total of 367 points, just 7 points ahead of Australian rookie, Chad Reed, who finished second in the series standings, but it was the arrival of the young Aussie that really set the AMA supercross championship on its head.

Seemingly unbeatable, Carmichael was expected to walk away with the 2003 championship, but it was Reed, making his 250 full-season debut that showed what an amazing talent. Sure enough, Reed won the AMA SX title in 2004, and again in 2008, and goes down as one of the all-time greats of the sport.

Key 2003 Insights

Close Rivalry: The season featured a fierce rivalry between Carmichael and Reed, with multiple close battles and aggressive racing.

Race Wins: Although Reed won more main events (8 wins) in the 15-round AMA series compared to Carmichael's 7, Carmichael's consistency in the top five secured him the overall title.

Chad Reed's Rookie Success: 2003 was Chad Reed's first full season in the AMA premier class. He also won the concurrent THQ World Supercross GP title that year, as Carmichael did not compete in the FIM-sanctioned international rounds. Championship Streak: This victory marked Carmichael's third consecutive AMA Supercross title.

In 2003, Reed achieved a historic victory at the opening round of the AMA Supercross season at Angel Stadium in Anaheim (A1). This win marked several significant milestones in professional motocross:

A very cool moment for our own Geoff Meyer as seen in this video as Reed stops on the parade lap to give his fellow Aussie a warm hug. One of the best moments in Geoff's 50 year career in the sport.

Rookie Record: Reed became the first rider in history to win the opening round of his rookie season in the premier class (then 250cc two-strokes).

The Race Performance: Riding for Factory Yamaha (No. 22), Reed took an early lead and secured a dominant victory, fulfilling a childhood dream. He led a Yamaha podium sweep, finishing ahead of teammates David Vuillemin and Tim Ferry.

Historical Impact: This win established Reed as the first Australian to win at the highest level of the sport in the United States. It served as the catalyst for his 2003 FIM World Supercross Championship title.