FEATURE
P60
RICKY CARMICHAEL UNIVERSITY
HERO WORSHIP >>
learn and get knowledge from each
and every one of us, and they're like
sponges. Then there are guys who are
in the 40+ class, and I'm straight-up
with them. I say, 'Hey, I know you're in
the 40+ class and I know you want to
learn something. Well, tell me what you
want. Do you want to get better? Are
you here to have fun and hang out?' I'm straight
up with them. So you cater to them and give them
just what they need because you can kind of read
people as you spend some time with them. So
you figure them out and give them what they want.
Work with them and have fun with them. Ultimately,
this is supposed to be fun..."
Tedesco thinks it's only natural.
"I couldn't imagine coming into Red Bud and riding with Ricky and those guys," Tedesco says. "I
mean, these kids must be just freaking out. I know
When Ricky Carmichael
talks, people listen,
especially when you're
getting motocross
advice from a 15-time
AMA Motocross/
Supercross Champion.
Here's the funny part about RCU: It's
billed as a school, but many of the students are adults, and most of the adults
are there really to hang out with their
heroes, not necessarily to improve
their racing ability.
"You always have feel-good stories at every school you do," Jeff Stanton says.
"Whether it's an older guy that really latches on
and listens. Then you go ride with him and he has
the time of his life. He comes up and gives you a
big hug and he's crying, 'That was the most fun I
ever had, riding those two laps with you!' So, you
get in people's heart and you give them a few basic skills. There are kids who are here to learn. I
think there are probably 40 percent of the people
who are here to hang out with champs, honestly.
Then, there's another 30 percent who are here to
