Ricky Carmichael Criticizes Chase Sexton for Losing Focus in Third Race: “That’s Not How You Dominate a Championship”

Ricky Carmichael Criticizes Chase Sexton for Losing Focus in Third Race: “That’s Not How You Dominate a Championship”

Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael didn’t hold back in a recent podcast when discussing Chase Sexton’s performance in the third race of the season. While acknowledging Sexton’s overall victory, Carmichael expressed concerns about his lack of focus in the final race, warning that he might not get lucky next time.

Carmichael: “Winning is Great, But You Have to Dominate”

During the podcast, Carmichael, a five-time AMA Supercross Champion, praised Sexton for securing his second overall win of the season but pointed out that his inconsistencies in the third race could cost him in a tight championship battle.

“Look, Chase won, and that’s great,” Carmichael said. “But that’s not how you dominate a championship race. If you want to cement your name, you have to close out races strong every single time. You can’t afford lapses in focus, especially in a field this competitive.”

Sexton, who was in a strong position heading into the third race, struggled to maintain his momentum, allowing Eli Tomac to take the final moto win. While it didn’t cost him the overall victory, Carmichael believes that such moments of weakness could prove costly in the long run.

“He Might Not Get Lucky Next Time”

Carmichael also warned Sexton that relying on point advantages or mistakes from competitors is not a sustainable path to championship dominance.

“You have to make a statement every time you’re on the track,” Carmichael emphasized. “Sexton got away with it this time, but he might not get lucky next time. When you’re in a championship battle, there’s no room for mental lapses.”

The 2024 Supercross season is proving to be one of the most competitive in years, with Sexton, Tomac, and Jett Lawrence all in the mix for the title. Carmichael, known as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in motocross, knows what it takes to sustain dominance over a full season, and his comments serve as both criticism and motivation for Sexton moving forward.

Can Sexton Respond?

Despite Carmichael’s harsh critique, Sexton remains one of the most talented riders in the sport today. The question now is whether he will take Carmichael’s words to heart and step up his game, ensuring that focus and execution remain sharp in every race.

With more battles ahead, Sexton has a chance to prove that he can dominate—not just win—on his way to a potential championship.