According to reliable sources on both coasts, Team Honda's Ricky Carmichael now appears certain to return to the U.S. Open on October 12 and 13 to defend his U.S. Open title and meet Jeremy McGrath's 2002 comeback head-on at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. While there's no official confirmation from Clear Channel Motorsports or American Honda, Carmichael is being included in the official U.S. Open odds at the MGM Grand.
I say (if he goes) good! There will always be doubters and naysayers (just like there has been in the past with no MC at the Open) if a big name doesn't show.