The second longest running Supercross race in The Sunshine State is the Orlando Supercross. Emanating from the Citrus Bowl, the stadium began hosting races in the early 1980’s and has been an on again, off again venue. Filled with sandy soil and tricky conditions, the various tracks of the stadium have challenged the world’s best over the years.
Venues
Though it has held two different names, Orlando has used only one venue in its time hosting a Supercross event. The Citrus Bowl, host of a namesake college football postseason game, joined the Supercross schedule in 1983. The track has hosted races at differing intervals from 1983-1985, 1991-1997, 2005-2007, and most recently, a pair of races during the 2021 season. The events in 2021 were the first under the stadium’s current name, Camping World Stadium. The large RV and outdoor accessory dealer purchased the naming rights in April 2016.
Iconic Moments
From a teenage sensation winning to one final duel between a pair of all-time rivals, Orlando has featured several great moments over the years.
1983-Sweet Sixteen
The first ever Orlando Supercross took place in June 1983, with over 20,000 spectators filling the Citrus Bowl. One of the biggest stories from the weekend occurred in practice, when Super Series points leader Bob Hannah injured his wrist. Hannah tried to ride on Saturday, but the Hurricane pulled off the track after just two circuits. In the main event, a 16-year old rookie took the lead almost immediately. Yamaha youngster Ron Lechien grabbed the lead in the whoops, passing Johnny O’Mara and Warren Reid. Lechien set sail and left the pack behind, winning his first main event by a whopping 22 seconds. The teenager celebrated in style, launching his bike off the finish line in a ghost ride. Due to Hannah’s injury, the combined points lead went to Mark Barnett, who finished third behind O’Mara.
2005-Spoiling The Party
Florida’s own James Stewart made his return to racing at Orlando in 2005 after suffering an injury practicing at round 2 in Phoenix. For Stewart, the home state race marked the first dry premier class Supercross event of his career after the deluge at Anaheim to kick off the year. After passing Kyle Lewis on the first lap, Stewart set sail, putting a seven second gap on Chad Reed. Unfortunately, the whoops claimed Stewart on lap 7, handing the lead to Reed. The defending champion took his second win in a row with Ricky Carmichael claiming second after an early crash. This three way fight provided a glimpse into the future, as the trio would fight each other for wins until Carmichael bowed out of full-time competition.
2007-The Final Showdown
After five 450SX titles and 49 career wins, Ricky Carmichael entered the final indoor race of his career at Orlando in 2007. He went out in an incredible duel for the win with rival James Stewart. Chad Reed started out front, but relinquished the top spot to Carmichael on the second lap. A charge from James Stewart set up an epic fight for the win, with the two trading faster sections. Stewart eventually grabbed the lead at the halfway point and kept Carmichael just behind to secure the win. The two riders completely separated themselves from the rest of the field, lapping up to 7th and putting third place Reed nearly 20 seconds back.
This interactive table details the all-time leaders at the Orlando Supercross. Who has the most starts, wins, podiums and points. Filter by class. On mobile, slide left to access more columns. To see all years of data, become a member of the We Went Fast Garage and help us continue (and expand) these unique views of the sport’s history.
This interactive table details the Orlando Supercross winners history. Who won in what year and what round was this venue. Filter by class. On mobile, slide left to access more columns. To see all years of data, become a member of the We Went Fast Garage and help us continue (and expand) these unique views of the sport’s history.
