Former AMA 125cc supercross and motocross champion Ivan Tedesco is stepping away from competition after 14 years as a professional.
“It has been a roller coaster since I started racing pro at the end of 1999 at Millville,” said Tedesco, who had been competing for the Ricky Carmichael and Carey Hart-owned RCH Soaring Eagle Suzuki. “I have had a lot of success…and a lot of failure. However, the one thing I can do is to walk away from this deal knowing I gave it my all every time I got on my motorcycle. In the end that’s all you can ask of a person — give it your all.”
Despite being plagued by injury throughout his career, Tedesco earned his first AMA professional title in 2004, when he won the 125cc West Coast Supercross Champion winning seven of eight by races that year. He repeated as 2005 125cc West Coast SX champ and backed that up by winning the AMA 125cc Outdoor National Champion in 2005.
However, Tedesco also played a vital role on multiple winning efforts by Team USA at the Motocross of Nations. With Tedesco’s help, Team USA won the prestigious event in 2005, 2006 and 2009.
When Tedesco moved to the 450cc class, he was fortunate to land with Team Suzuki, the same team as the greatest rider of all time, Ricky Carmichael,
“I made the decision to go over to Suzuki to be teammates with Ricky,” Tedesco said. “I learned so much from RC. I am thankful for his friendship, the opportunity to train with him and the help his parents have always given me. They treated me like family and did everything they could to help. I had a successful rookie Supercross season finishing fourth behind Carmichael, Stewart, and Reed.”
However, injuries hampered Tedesco in the premier class, and he never enjoyed the success that he had in the 125cc/250cc ranks. Now, after 14 years, Tedesco says that the the time has finally come to call it a career.
“It’s never easy to quit something you’ve done for so long, but the time has come where racing just isn’t the same as it used to be,” Tedesco said. “I always told myself when the day comes that I’m not competitive anymore; I need to walk away; that time is now.”
But even though he will no longer compete, Tedesco isn’t stepping away from the sport completely. He has been retained by RCH Soaring Eagle to serve as a test rider for the team.
“From RCH’s perspective, we are honored that he finished out his illustrious career with RCH Soaring Eagle and on a Suzuki,” says co-principal Carey Hart. “We are grateful to have Ivan’s testing expertise for RCH moving forward. “It just wouldn’t be the same not having Hot Sauce to spice things up around here!”
“I have nothing to be bummed about,” Tedesco said. “I can say I have never given less than 100% and have enjoyed proving people wrong. I’m grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the friendships I have made. I love dirt bikes and racing and look forward to finding my new career within the sport because this is what I love to do. “Thank you to my fans, who have always had my back and motivated me to keep going! I hope to see you all at the races soon.”
Your Privacy Choices