ANNOUNCEMENT: Ricky Carmichael SHOCKS MOTOCROSS WORLD, REJECTS HISTORIC $300 MILLION DEAL TO JOIN KTM: SAYS “MY LOYALTY LIES WITH YAMAHA…
In a move that has stunned the motocross community, legend Ricky Carmichael has turned down a jaw-dropping $300 million offer from KTM, choosing instead to remain loyal to Yamaha. The deal, which would have made Carmichael one of the highest-paid figures in motorsports history, was reportedly in the final stages before the five-time AMA Supercross Champion walked away.
“My loyalty lies with Yamaha,” Carmichael said in a statement earlier today. “They believed in me when others didn’t, and I’m not going to turn my back on that now—no matter the amount of money on the table.”
Industry insiders had speculated Carmichael was gearing up for a major shift, with KTM aggressively pursuing him as a global brand ambassador and team strategist. However, his decision to stay with Yamaha reinforces the deep bond he’s developed with the brand throughout his post-racing career.
Fans and fellow riders alike have applauded Carmichael’s integrity, with social media exploding in praise for the “GOAT” of motocross. In an era often dominated by big money deals, Carmichael’s choice reminds the sport what true loyalty looks like.
