Ricky Carmichael has split with Suzuki after 15 years. After retiring from racing, the GOAT stayed with Suzuki to help promote their bikes around the world. With Suzuki pulling out of many race series, including the world championship, and reigning in development on their bikes, it’s not good news for future of Suzuki in motocross. RC’s statement reads:

To all of my fans and everyone in our motorcycle community. After 15 years with Suzuki, I wanted to take this time to say thank you and express my gratitude to the entire staff at Suzuki of America, Suzuki Japan and to all of the other regions I have been fortunate enough to work with over the years.

We were able to accomplish some great things together, both as a rider, and as a team owner and I am very fortunate to have made many great friendships along the way. As times change, I have been looking at other opportunities within the motorcycle industry and exploring options where I feel my experiences can best be applied to help grow our great sport. As everyone knows, I also enjoy challenges and seeing what a team of people can do to produce a great result when working together on new projects.

As I continue to build upon my years of experience as a racer, I am now transitioning to enjoy other aspects of the motorcycle community. This hasn’t been an easy decision, but the future is exciting for me. My love of bikes has grown beyond just off-road riding and I am looking forward to exploring those opportunities more in the future.

I will forever work to promote our sport and continue to give back to the up and coming riders who hope to see their dreams realized, just as I did many years ago.With that, I want to wish everyone at Suzuki continued success in the future. Friendships go well beyond working relationships, I am fortunate to have many of you as friends, and look forward to seeing you at the races and on the road!