The 2002 edition of the THQ U.S. Open, sponsored by Thor/Parts Unlimited, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, will host one of the greatest showdowns in racing history, according to a press release from the promoter: Ricky Carmichael vs. Jeremy McGrath on October 11-12.
Carmichael, the two-time defending THQ U.S. Open champion, has enjoyed a banner season, winning the supercross championship and the outdoor motocross championship. Honda’s Carmichael, who etched himself into the outdoor motocross record books this summer by winning every moto, he also won both nights of racing in last year’s sell-out event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Seven-time supercross champion McGrath, who is supercross’ all-time winningest rider, recently signed a deal with KTM Sportmotorcycles and his first major race aboard the new bike will be at the THQ U.S. Open’s Friday night session of racing. McGrath’s run last year at the THQ U.S. Open was truly inspirational as he returned from a first-turn pile up in the second moto to finish second overall.
“McGrath proved to everyone last year the he has the speed to win,” said THQ U.S. Open founder, Eric Peronnard in the press release. “Watching him cut through the pack after that crash was amazing. The opening night should be exciting, considering it’s the first time that fans will see him on the new bike.”
Top 20 250cc Invited Riders from 2002 AMA Supercross
1. Ricky Carmichael
2. David Vuillemin
3. Jeremy McGrath
4. Ezra Lusk
5. Stephane Roncada
6. Nathan Ramsey
7. Ernesto Fonseca
8. Nick Wey
9. Damon Huffman
10. Heath Voss
11. Mike LaRocco
12. Kyle Lewis
13. Sebastien Tortelli
14. Jean Sebastien-Roy
15. Tim Ferry
16. Travis Pastrana
17. Keith Johnson
18. Kevin Windham
19. Michael Byrne
20. James Polvolny
Invited Riders from Eastern and Western Regional Supercross
21. Chad Reed
22. Travis Preston
Invited Rider from the National Arenacross Series
23. Josh Demuth
Promoters Choice
24. TBA