Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Carmichael Finishes 8th in California

Motocross Champ Carmichael Excels On Four Wheels

You might say Ricky Carmichael (#4 Monster Energy Drink Chevrolet) is a fast learner. But with a record 15 American Motorcycle Association motocross championships in hand — plus a solid season of four-wheeled competition in the NASCAR Camping World Series East — it's not surprising that Carmichael logged a top-10 finish in just his second truck race.

Carmichael, who qualified third for the San Bernardino County 200, finished eighth. "It was an awesome run; he did a great job all weekend, qualifying and race," said his veteran crew chief, Billy Wilburn, who oversees the Kevin Harvick Inc. team. "To say that it was expected would be wrong.

"I would say before the year's out, you'll have yourself a Raybestos Rookie (race) winner." Carmichael, whose next race is April 25 at Kansas Speedway, was pleased with his performance but agreed there's plenty of learning yet to be done. "I'm super-pumped and I learned a lot," he said. "I wish we could have done better for (KHI) but personally, I'm happy." Carmichael has a pair of aces in the hole — Harvick and teammate Ron Hornaday Jr. (#33 Camping World Chevrolet). He followed three-time series champion Hornaday into the top five at one point after Harvick radioed Carmichael to pick up the pace.

"I just feel comfortable around Ron," Carmichael said. "I didn't even know I was fifth so that was pretty neat. But I knew if I was up there (with him) I was going to be able to learn a lot."

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