Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award Acknowledges Motocross’ Most Determined Racers

MORGANTOWN, W.V. (April 16, 2010) – The bikes are being tested and the tracks are being groomed as the anticipation builds for what is sure to be one of the most memorable seasons in the history of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. With the season-opening Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic just around the corner, MX Sports Pro Racing and Ricky Carmichael announce the return of the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award for 2010.

Named for the most successful rider in American Motocross history, the Hard Charger Award recognizes the one rider who emulated Carmichael’s never-give-up attitude across both the 450 and 250 classes during each round of the 12-race season.

While the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) continues to develop his stock car racing résumé by competing in the NASCAR-sanctioned Camping World Truck Series, his legacy is forever enshrined in motocross history by giving the now prestigious award to the rider who passes the most competitors in a single moto each weekend. It’s a nod to the man who won 102 AMA Motocross races, captured 10 straight AMA Motocross Championships, had three undefeated seasons, and two perfect ones where he won every single moto-all AMA Motocross records. He also added 48 wins in AMA Supercross and took five titles there, giving him career totals of 150 wins and 15 major titles, records that will likely never be broken.

‘I think the 2010 series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in a long time, and it’s awesome to know that MX Sports Pro Racing has decided to continue the tradition of this award,’ said Carmichael, who drives for Turner Motorsports. ‘It was an honor that they created such an incredible award in my name and I’m always eager to find out what rider overcame the most adversity each round. It takes a true competitor to battle his way to the front during a 35-minute moto and I look forward to seeing which 12 names will hang it out most this season.’

‘Since introducing the Hard Charger Award during the 2008 season, it has become one of the most warmly accepted accolades in the sport,’ said MX Sports Vice President Davey Coombs. ‘Ricky set the standard for having the will to win every single time, be it in triple-digit temperatures or in deep mud-and always with 39 of the world’s fastest riders breathing down his neck. It takes a special kind of determination to be successful in motocross, and Ricky Carmichael exemplifies that better than anyone.’

As mentioned above, Carmichael is the winningest rider in the history of the sport and the most successful AMA Pro Motocross champion ever. The G.O.A.T. retired from the sport after never losing a single Lucas Oil AMA Motocross title, from the time he was a rookie in 1997 through his decision to stop racing full time in 2006-and he still came back and won every national he entered in 2007. Carmichael is currently building upon a very young four-wheel racing career and is in the midst of his sophomore season in NASCAR’s champion-building truck series.

The Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic commences on May 22 from Rancho Cordova, Calif., showcasing the most talented riders in the most prestigious series on the planet. This is where motocross starts and it is where the world will be in just over a month’s time.

For tickets, fan and racing information on the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log onto www.allisports.com.