Carmichael lands Monster Energy as primary sponsor
Carmichael, a 29-year-old native of Clearwater, Fla., and the most successful motocross racer in history, will drive the No. 4 truck for the KHI team in at least 14 Truck events, according to a news release announcing the deal. He will also drive a car sponsored by the company in the season-opening Automobile Racing Club of America race at Daytona International Speedway.
The No. 4 team, led by recently hired crew chief Bill Wilburn, will assume the ninth-place 2008 owners points from the No. 2 KHI team. The No. 2 team scored its maiden victory at Atlanta with Ryan Newman last October, then won again with Harvick at Phoenix in November.
Carmichael competed using the No. 4 from his first motorcycle race through his retirement from two-wheeled racing in 2007.
Carmichael has won more American Motorcyclist Association championships (15) and races (150) than any other series competitor. He was named the AMA Rider of the Year five times.
Team owner Kevin Harvick will announce the remaining lineup of drivers, which includes himself, later.
Monster Energy has been a sponsor of Carmichael's since 2005.
"It’s really an honor to bring them into the Truck series with me and KHI," he said. "This is an opportunity I’m really excited about. I think this is my best shot to learn and the best chance to become a successful NASCAR driver. I’m going to give 110 percent to make it worthwhile for myself and the entire team."
Carmichael will drive in the races at Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 13), Auto Club Speedway in California (Feb. 21), Kansas Speedway (April 25), Texas Motor Speedway (June 5), The Milwaukee Mile (June 19), Memphis Motorsports Park (June 27), Kentucky Speedway (July 18), Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 24), Nashville Superspeedway (Aug. 1), Chicagoland Speedway (Aug. 29), Iowa Speedway (Sept. 5), Gateway International Raceway (Sept. 12), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Sept. 26) and Talladega Superspeedway (Oct. 31).