ABOUT KEVIN CARMICHAEL .........
Live Track action at the Scottish Modified Car Show on Sunday 19th July 2009
Since 1997, when stunt racing competitions first began; Kevin Carmichael has had more success than any other stunt rider in the sport. Along with being European champion in 1997, (2nd 1998), 1999-2001, Kevin has also won the World Championship in Texas, America in 2002
Kevin has also won the Burns Day competition in 2004; which is widely reguarded as the best stunt competition in the world. Contestants are judged by the crowd's reaction rather than a panel.
Kevin started to ride bikes at a meagre 7 years old. He was a Scottish Motocross Champion. His stunt riding career began in 1997, just 8 weeks before the European Championship he went on to win. Since then, Kevin and his team have performed in various countries throughout the World.
Reknown for his unique, dynamic and fascinating riding style, Kevin's tricks have been adopted by professional stunt riders all over the World. Kevin was the first person to wheel a superbike with no front wheel or forks and to wheel in a circle with 2 passengers.
An interview with Kevin Carmichael
Below is an interview carried out for the website that should give you a little more insight into Scotlands World Champion Stunt Rider.
Q. How long have you been stunt riding?
A. I started in 1997.
Q. What was your first bike?
A. Suzuki Bandit.
Q. What did you do before stunt riding?
A. I started riding bikes when I was 7 and competed in Motocross before stunt riding.
Q. Did you have much success?
A. I won various club Championships, was Scottish Expert Schoolboy Champion and came second in the Scottish Junior Adult Championship.
Q. And what about injuries?
A. Too many to list! Especially in motocross. I would have won more championships if it weren't for so many injuries. I have broken a bone for almost every year that I raced!
Q. What do you like the most about stunt riding and why?
A. When a new stunt I have been training works successfully it is a great feeling. Getting to see many parts of the World I would never have seen otherwise is also a great bonus.
Q. Which other rider do you admire most and why?
A. Definately Ac Farias because he was one of the pioneers of modern stunt riding and has a unique style.
Q. What do you not like in stunt riding?
A. Riders who only copy other riders and dont have their own individual style and unique tricks. Unfortunately this is happening more frequently nowadays.
Q. You are now sponsored by Triumph, how are the bikes?
A. The bikes are great... leaving Suzuki to ride for Triumph has been one of the best things i have done.
Q. Why?
A. Triumph are a very professional company and I never have any problems with them. As i said the bikes are very good for stunt riding so in that respect I feel very lucky.
Q. Since you stopped competing are you still busy with shows?
A. Yes this year has been my busiest yet!
Q. Where are you mostly doing shows now?
A. Everywhere in the UK and Europe, also negotiating a several shows in Kenya and the US.
Q. Which of your Triumph bikes do you like the most and why?
A. I like them all for different reasons. The Speed Triple, for example, is very good for circle wheelies and fast powerslides. The Rocket III has an amazing effect on the audience because of it's size and engine noise. The Speed Four is great for any trick where I have to be physical with the bike as it is very light. They are all good in their own way but if I was forced to choose one I it would definitely be the new Speed Triple as it really is a jack of all trades.
Q. What is your favorite car at the moment?
A. The Lamborghini Galardo.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Probably Italian.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. Yes, we have a 12 week old labrador puppy and a man eating dobermann to protect my bikes!
Q. What is your favorite drink?
A. Diet Coke or Fresh Orange.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. Gladiator.
Q. Out of all the countries you have visited, which is your favourite?
A. Definately South Africa.
Q. Why?
A. I love the wildlife there and Capetown is a very nice place to visit.
Q. What is your favorite stunt?
A. I like doing powerslides and the new stunts I am currently training are my personal favourites.
Q. Who is your best friend in Stunt Riding?
A. It has to be Arian Van Sveden from Holland.
Q. Which shows you have done are most memorable?
A. There are quite a few that are memorable; Burns Day in France, Capetown in South Africa and some of the events I do for Triumph like the Triumph festivals in Italy or France.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I like doing a little photography now and again. I am also in the middle of getting a licence for a shotgun to do some clay pigeon shooting and I would like to learn to fly a microlight sometime soon.
<<< Back to main features page
Get your car featured by contacting us here >>>
|
|
