Ricky Carmichael Criticizes Chase Sexton for Losing Focus in Third Race Despite Winning the 450SMX Championship.
Chase Sexton may have secured the 450SMX championship, but his performance in the final race left a sour taste in the mouth of one of the greatest motocross riders of all time, Ricky Carmichael. Known as “The GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), Carmichael didn’t hold back when discussing Sexton’s lack of focus in the third and final moto of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX).
During the post-race analysis, Carmichael pointed out that Sexton, despite his immense talent and speed, failed to maintain the dominant mindset required to truly cement his championship run. “That’s not how you dominate a championship,” Carmichael stated, implying that Sexton’s approach in the last race left much to be desired. While Sexton still emerged as the overall champion, Carmichael believes that a rider of his caliber should have displayed a stronger finish, rather than letting off the gas when the job was almost done.
Sexton’s Path to the 450SMX Championship
Sexton’s 2023 season was nothing short of remarkable. He emerged as one of the top competitors in the 450 class, battling against seasoned veterans like Jett Lawrence and Ken Roczen. With his combination of technical skill, raw speed, and relentless determination, he managed to claim the 450SMX championship, adding another milestone to his growing resume.
However, the final moto of the season was not Sexton’s best performance. While he had already done enough to secure the championship, his riding in the last race raised questions about his mental approach. Losing focus at such a crucial moment did not sit well with Carmichael, who built his legendary career on consistency, grit, and an unshakable will to win.
Carmichael’s Take on Sexton’s Performance
Ricky Carmichael is not one to hand out empty praise. His comments about Sexton’s lack of focus in the third race weren’t meant to discredit the young rider’s championship win, but rather to highlight an area that could use improvement.
“But yeah, that was unfortunate because if I could have got that rhythm, I don’t think he…” Carmichael commented, reflecting on how Sexton let a key moment slip away. The implication was clear—Sexton had the ability to dominate the race but didn’t execute at the level expected of a champion.
Carmichael knows firsthand what it takes to be a true champion. His career was defined by his ability to not just win, but to dominate races and leave no doubt as to who was the best rider on the track. From his multiple AMA Supercross and Motocross championships to his perfect seasons, Carmichael’s legacy is built on a relentless pursuit of excellence. When he critiques a rider like Sexton, it’s coming from a place of high standards rather than personal bias.
The Importance of Mental Toughness in Motocross
Motocross and SuperMotocross are not just about physical endurance and technical skills—they are also mental battles. The best riders in history have all possessed an unshakable mindset that allows them to stay focused regardless of circumstances.
Sexton has shown flashes of this mindset throughout the season, particularly in his battles against Jett Lawrence and Ken Roczen. However, Carmichael’s critique suggests that Sexton still has room to grow in terms of mental fortitude. In a sport where small lapses in focus can lead to costly mistakes, staying locked in until the very last lap is essential.
This is especially true when compared to legends like Carmichael himself, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto, who rarely took their foot off the gas, even when a championship was already secured. The ability to close out a season in dominant fashion sends a message to competitors and builds confidence heading into the next year.
What’s Next for Chase Sexton?
Despite the criticism, Sexton is still one of the brightest talents in the sport today. His victory in the 450SMX championship proves that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. However, if he wants to elevate himself to the status of all-time greats like Carmichael, he must take these critiques to heart and work on maintaining his intensity in every single race.
Heading into the 2024 season, Sexton will have an even bigger target on his back. Jett Lawrence, who has been nothing short of spectacular in his transition to the 450 class, will be looking to dethrone him. Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and other top competitors will also be pushing to reclaim their spots at the top. To stay ahead, Sexton needs to fine-tune not just his riding ability, but his mentality as well.
If there’s one thing Sexton has proven, it’s that he has the talent to win championships. The next step in his evolution will be proving that he can consistently dominate in the way Carmichael did throughout his career.
Ricky Carmichael’s criticism of Chase Sexton’s performance in the third race serves as a wake-up call rather than an insult. While Sexton’s championship win is a testament to his skill, his lapse in focus in the final moto suggests that there’s still work to be done.
The best riders in history don’t just win—they dominate. If Sexton wants to be remembered as one of the greatest, he will need to take Carmichael’s words to heart and ensure that he never lets off the gas, no matter the circumstances.
The 2024 season will be the ultimate test. Will Sexton use this critique as motivation to refine his mental game, or will his inconsistencies continue to haunt him ? Only time will tell.
