 About Kevin Carmichael
Since 1997, when stunt riding competitions first began, Kevin Carmichael has become one of the most successful riders in the sport. Along with being European Champion 1997, (2nd 1998),1999 - 2002, Kevin has also won the World Championship in Texas, America.
Kevin has also won the Burn's Day competition in 2004, which is widely regarded as the best stunt competition in the world. Contestants are judged by the crowds reaction rather than a panel.
More recently in 2007, he was talked out of retirement from competition to compete in the European Millenium Stunt Show Championship in Lithuania, where he was awarded 1st Place.
Kevin started to ride bikes at the tender age of 7. He went on to become a Scottish Motocross Champion. His stunt riding career began in 1997, just 8 weeks before The European Championship, which he went on to win. Since then, Kevin has performed in various countries throughout the world, including Japan, Venezuela, South Africa, Findland, Reunion Island, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Ireland, England, Wales, Namibia, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Bahrain, American, Lithuania, and of course Scotland.
Best known 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 wheelie a superbike with no front wheel or forks, and also has achieved this stunt with a passengers. He was also the rider who first started using a brake mounted on the handlebars, which has been copied by every stunt rider in the world!!
An Interview with Kevin
Below is an interview carried out for the website that should give you a little more insight into Scotland's 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 I raced!!
Q. What do you like the most about stunt riding and why?
A. When a new stunt I have been practising 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 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. You are 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 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 stpped competing are you still busy with shows?
A. Yes, I am always booked for somewhere!!
Q. Where are you doing most of your shows now?
A. I have many shows already booked for 2009, but mostly Europe.
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 fast powerslides. The Rocket III has an amazing
effect on the audience because of it's size and engine noise. The Street Triple is great for any trick where I have to be physical with
the bike, as it is very light. They ar all good in their own way, but if I was forced to choose one, it would definately be the new Street Triple.
It is really a jack of all trades.
Q. What is your favourite car at the moment?
A. The Lamborghini Galardo.
Q. What is your favourite food?
A. Probably Italian.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. Yes, I have a Labrador and a man eating Doberman to protect my bikes!!
Q. What is your favourite drink?
A. Diet coke or fresh orange.
Q. What is your favourite movie?
A. Gladiator.
Q. Out of all the countries you have visited, which is your favourite and why?
A. Definately, South Africa. I love the wildlife there and Capetown is very nice place to visit.
Q. What is your favourite 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, and Chris from Duke Acrobat in France. They are both great guys and both a little crazy 
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 events that I do for Triumph, like The Triumph Festivals.
Q. What are you hobbies?
A. I like to cycle now, and sometimes I like to climb some mountains in Scotland with my dog. I also like flying and photography.
|
|
