WISCONSIN BOUND: Not only will Carmichael be making his first appearance at the track, but this will also mark his first trip to Wisconsin. His racing career on both two and four wheels has made Carmichael a world traveler, but this is the first time he will make the trek to The Badger State of Wisconsin.
In the history of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), no other rider has won as many championships (15) and races (150) as Carmichael, earning him the nickname the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Carmichael was a record five-time AMA "Rider of the Year."
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY: This weekend, Carmichael will celebrate Father's Day with his two-year-old twins Kadin and Elise. While at the track, Carmichael's father Rick Carmichael will be cheering his son on as he looks score his first career Truck Series victory.
"My father has been very instrumental in my career to get me to where I am today," said Carmichael. "He will be at the track this weekend in Milwaukee. I've always performed well on Father's Day in the past, so it would be really cool to go out and have a good run for him this weekend. To be as successful as I've been, I will always be indebted to my parents for the sacrifices they've made for me and my career."
BEFORE THE RACE: QUOTES WITH DRIVER RICKY CARMICHAEL:
This weekend you head to a track you've never seen before, but it is a flat track like New Hampshire Motor Speedway where you've run well. How do you prepare for your first career start at The Milwaukee Mile?
"I've actually never been to Wisconsin, so this weekend will be especially neat. I'm looking forward to the race and in the past I've been good on flat tracks similar to Loudon (New Hampshire Motor Speedway). I'm excited and optimistic that we can go to Milwaukee and have a good run this weekend."
Recently when you were at Texas Motor Speedway, the 2009 Truck Series Rookie class took laps around the track with veteran driver Ron Hornaday to learn tips and how to get around the mile-and-half track. Who do you turn to for tips and advice heading into this weekend?
"Obviously, I talk to Kevin (Harvick) before the weekend starts. I lean on Ron (Hornaday) at the track. Ron is good to lean on during the weekend because he's there and he has been to all the tracks before, so he knows their characteristics."
FROM ATOP THE BOX: QUOTES WITH CREW CHIEF JOHN MONSAM:
This weekend will mark Ricky Carmichael's first Truck Series start at The Milwaukee Mile. How do you prepare for that and what are your expectations this weekend?
"I've spoken to Ricky and he's really pumped to get back in the truck this weekend. He ran really good last year at New Hampshire in one of the NASCAR Camping World East races and this track is comparable as a flat track. He's excited and as long as we get the truck set-up right and give him the right equipment, I think he will do well. The pit crew and team have really stepped it up lately and done an outstanding job. It's time for this team to get back up front and get the finishes it deserves."
TOP GEAR: Carmichael spent much of last week in California, shooting a segment for the popular BBC-TV show "Top Gear." Carmichael rode a motorcycle on an obstacle course in conjunction with Monster Energy rally car driver Ken Block for the automotive enthusiast show which is seen worldwide. The show is telecast in the United States on the BBC America channel.
CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 4 Monster Energy team will unload truck chassis No. 018 this weekend for Carmichael as he makes his first appearance at The Milwaukee Mile. Earlier this year, this chassis ran at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway where Carmichael started the race 29th and finished in the same position as he earned his rookie stripes around the famous paperclip track. Prior to the 2009 season, this chassis was in the No. 33 truck team's stable with three-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday.
PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Turning to the Irish Hills of Michigan, Canadian driver J.R. Fitzpatrick returned to the No. 4 truck for his second appearance of the season for KHI and his first career start at Michigan International Speedway. With a solid qualifying effort and a fast truck, Fitzpatrick qualified eighth for the race and ran most of the day in the top 10. Running as high as fifth place early in the race, Fitzpatrick was involved in a single-truck incident trying to make a pass on the inside of Dennis Setzer on lap 64 and spun, hitting the outside retaining wall. The team attempted to repair the damaged vehicle, but was unable to get Fitzpatrick and the No. 4 truck back on track before the race concluded, scoring a 21st-place finish.
The Copart 200 can be seen on SPEED at 8:30 p.m., EST Friday
