Ricky Carmichael glad to be strapped in at Texas

Ricky Carmichael, former motocross rider turned NASCAR driver, is looking forward to racing at Texas Motor Speedway in the WinStar World Casino 400k on June 4.

Carmichael was so successful at motocross that his nickname is GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).  His 150 victories and 15 AMA championships may never be matched.  He has always been a fan favorite, winning AMA’s Rider of the Year multiple times and Most Popular Driver twice in his short NASCAR career.  He is very appreciative of his fans, and tries to keep them happy.  “I just always gave it my all, I give 100% and try to give the fans something to see.”

Moving to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2009, Carmichael scored two top-10 finishes in 18 races.  In 2010, in just 7 races so far, he has a top-5 and three top-10 finishes and is currently 7th in points.  Despite the early struggles, Carmichael feels good about the direction he is going, “I’m realistic with my goals, I feel good about my team and where we are heading.  We want to be top-10 every race.”  

Carmichael downplayed any expectations of challenging for the title in just his second year, “A realistic goal is top-5.  There are a lot of really good teams and drivers out there that have been around a lot longer than me.”   On the track, however, he knows the value of keeping points, “We’re doing more points racing than going all-out for a win, they don’t always go hand-in-hand.  We just go out there, hope to be fast, and take what they give us.  Like I said, we want to be in the top-10 every week.  If we can finish the season top-5, we would be ecstatic.”

Ricky Carmichael in the Monster Chevrolet at Texas Motor Speedway.  Photo by George WalkerCarmichael has had good results at Texas Motor Speedway.   In 2009, he finished in 11th place in the WinStar World Casino 400k, followed by a 12th-place finish in the WinStar World Casino 350.  “I love Texas.” said Carmichael, “Along with Atlanta it is one of my favorite tracks.  It is really fast.”

Although he is known as a daredevil on a motorcycle, Carmichael is learning to enjoy NASCAR, “It’s nice to be strapped in!  I really enjoy it.  I get the same thrill and I get to be strapped in.” 

I asked Ricky if he wanted to stay an extra day and join Robbie Knieval for his jump at TMS on Saturday.  “No way!  I’ve risked enough on motorcyles!” 

That is good news for NASCAR.  Carmichael will be driving the No. 4 Monster Chevrolet Friday night, June 4th at Texas Motor Speedway.

 

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